LONDON — Kyle Clifford, a 26-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to the murder of a mother and her two daughters at their home near London, in a horrific incident involving a crossbow and a knife. The attacks took place on July 9, 2022, where prosecutors report that Clifford murdered his 25-year-old ex-girlfriend, Louise Hunt, her 28-year-old sister Hannah, and their mother, 61-year-old Carol Hunt.

During an appearance via video link at the Cambridge Crown Court, Clifford admitted to three counts of murder, one count of false imprisonment, and two counts of possession of offensive weapons, namely the crossbow and a 10-inch knife. He has pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of raping Louise Hunt. The tragic deaths of the three women, who were related to renowned BBC radio racing commentator John Hunt, have stirred significant public outcry.

Emergency services arrived but were unable to save the victims, who were discovered with severe injuries at their residence in the quiet residential area of Bushey. Following the incident, a manhunt was initiated for Clifford, who was later found injured in a cemetery in Enfield after allegedly shooting himself in the chest with the crossbow. Clifford's military background, having served from 2019 to 2022, adds another troubling layer to this case.

The chilling nature of this crime has reignited discussions over crossbow regulations in the UK. Following the murders, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed a need for reviewing weapon laws, considering whether more stringent regulations were necessary. Current UK law indicates that while no license is required to own a crossbow, it is illegal to carry one publicly without lawful reason. Incidents involving crossbows, such as an attempt to breach Windsor Castle to target Queen Elizabeth II, highlight the growing concerns over these weapons being used in violent crimes.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the societal repercussions of such violent acts, urging policymakers to reconsider safety regulations regarding crossbow ownership.