Carol and Stephen Baxter's deaths explored as Essex Millionaire Murders unveils harrowing truth
Carol and Stephen Baxter's deaths explored as Essex Millionaire Murders unveils harrowing truth
The Essex Millionaire Murders is an ITV documentary that looks into the deaths of Carol and Stephen Baxter, who were found at their home in April 2023
Stephen Baxter, 61, and his 64-year-old wife Carol
(Image: Family handout/PA )
The documentary series The Essex Millionaire Murders begins on ITV on April 28 and revisits a case that stands as one of Essex Police's most intricate investigations. Spread across two episodes, airing on Monday and Tuesday, the programme delves into the events surrounding the April 9, 2023, discovery of the couple's bodies at their West Mersea residence.
Featuring insights from four Essex Police officers, including Detective Inspector Lydia George, who led the investigation, the show chronicles the extensive inquiry that ultimately led to the conviction of Luke D'Wit, a family friend of the Baxters, for their murders.
D'Wit received a life sentence with a minimum of 37 years imprisonment, marking one of the heaviest sentences secured following an Essex Police investigation.
The documentary also explores D'Wit's years-long manipulation of the Baxter family, including his creation of multiple fake personas, such as posing as a doctor, to exert control.
Upon D'Wit's sentencing in March 2024, DI George described him as a "pathological liar". Here is an overview of the events surrounding Stephen and Carol Baxter's case.
Luke D'Wit was found guilty of murder
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What happened to Stephen and Carol Baxter?
D'Wit, 35, murdered the Baxters by administering fentanyl after posing as a doctor and fabricating a will to ensure he would financially benefit.
He assumed control of Carol's medication under the guise of treating her autoimmune disease but, in reality, caused her further health issues. On Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023, Carol and Stephen were tragically discovered dead in their Mersea Island residence by their daughter.
Neither of them showed any visible injuries or clear cause of death. It was only weeks later that a toxicology report revealed the couple had succumbed to fentanyl poisoning.
Their friend, D'Wit, was the last person to see them alive. Two days prior, on April 7, he had administered a lethal dose of fentanyl to the unsuspecting couple.
He even went as far as setting up a camera within their home to observe their demise.
Stephen and Carol Baxter trusted Luke
Upon his arrest, police found several fentanyl patches which D'Wit claimed belonged to his deceased father, but later attributed to his grandfather.
In addition, officers discovered a bag containing numerous metal tacks and pill casings. Investigators strongly suspect these items had been previously given to Carol, leading to her hospitalisation after x-rays revealed the tacks in her stomach.
During his testimony, D'Wit alleged that both he and Stephen were behind the creation of fictitious characters, used to convince Carol she was receiving medical assistance for her health issues.
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However, under cross-examination, his narrative unravelled. Messages exchanged between the fabricated characters and Stephen Baxter were read out loud, demonstrating that it was implausible for Stephen to have been involved in D'Wit's plot.
The documentary series 'Essex Millionaire Murders' will be shown on ITV on April 28 and 29 at 9pm.
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