Essex Police Murder Case Featured in ITV True Crime Documentary
“The Essex Millionaire Murders” is a gripping two-part true-crime documentary airing on ITV1, spotlighting the tragic deaths of Carol and Stephen Baxter, who were murdered in their home in West Mersea on 9 April 2023. This case is one of the most complex investigations ever conducted by Essex Police.
Watch as detectives uncover the truth behind the Baxter murders and fight to bring justice to their family
Behind the Investigation: The Baxter Murder Case
Produced by Candour, the documentary features in-depth interviews with four key Essex Police officers involved in the case, including Detective Inspector Lydia George, who led the investigation. DI George, the Senior Investigating Officer, coordinated an extensive operation drawing on resources from across the force.
The investigation resulted in the conviction of Luke D’Wit, a close family friend of the Baxters. D’Wit was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 37 years – one of the most significant outcomes in Essex Police history.
Also featured are:
DC Kerry Turner, Family Liaison & Communications Officer
DC Emily Larkin, Medical Case Manager
DC Reuben Brame, Digital Evidence Analyst
The Dark Truth: Grooming and Control
The documentary reveals how Luke D’Wit spent years manipulating the Baxter family. Using fake personas – including pretending to be a doctor – he gradually gained control over their lives. This culminated in persuading the couple to undergo a bogus “liver cleanse,” during which he poisoned them with fentanyl in their own home.
Their daughter, Ellena, discovered her parents’ lifeless bodies in their armchairs. She, along with Tracy Ayling KC, the lead prosecutor at Chelmsford Crown Court, shares her emotional journey in the documentary.
A Legacy of Awareness
DI Lydia George described D’Wit as a “pathological liar” and emphasized the immense loss experienced by the Baxter family:
“Carol and Stephen were kind, generous people entering the next phase of their lives—looking forward to spending time with their grandchildren. Luke D’Wit took that away with calculated cruelty. He manipulated and controlled them and tried to blame innocent people. The life sentence he received is a fitting response to his actions.”
Partnering with Hourglass: Supporting Older Victims of Abuse
To raise awareness about elder abuse, Essex Police has partnered with Hourglass, the UK’s only charity focused on protecting older adults from abuse.
Carol and Stephen were tragically unaware of the severe manipulation they endured from someone they trusted. Sadly, their experience reflects a broader issue affecting many elderly people.
Essex Police and Hourglass are working together to:
Highlight the warning signs of abuse and coercion
Provide support for families and victims
Remind the public that abuse can happen at any age