The Crossbow Killer: The Brutal Murders of Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt

7 Mar

Written By Ann ie

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This article discusses graphic violence, femicide, sexual assault, and online misogyny. If you are sensitive to these topics, please proceed with caution.

Three Women, Three Lives Stolen

On July 9, 2024, a quiet family home in Bushey, Hertfordshire, became the scene of an unthinkable tragedy. Kyle Clifford, a 26-year-old former soldier, brutally murdered three women—his ex-girlfriend Louise Hunt, her sister Hannah Hunt, and their mother Carol Hunt.

This was not a random act of violence. This was a premeditated, gendered attack fueled by control, misogyny, and entitlement.

The names of Carol, Hannah, and Louise must not be forgotten. Too often, the focus in cases like these shifts to the perpetrator—his background, his motivations, his supposed grievances. But the true tragedy lies in the lives that were stolen, in the women who should still be here today.

Who Were They?

🔴 Carol Hunt (61) – A dedicated mother, wife, and friend, Carol was known for her kindness and unwavering support for her family. She was married to John Hunt, a BBC racing commentator, and was deeply loved by her husband and children. She was the heart of the Hunt family, providing warmth, care, and love in abundance.

🔴 Hannah Hunt (28) – A talented and driven woman, Hannah was passionate about the arts and storytelling. She had a bright future ahead of her and was adored by those who knew her. Her kindness and ambition made her a role model to many.

🔴 Louise Hunt (25) – A veterinary nurse, Louise dedicated her life to caring for animals. She was deeply compassionate, loved her work, and was known for her gentle, empathetic nature. Her colleagues and clients adored her, and she had a long, promising career ahead.

These women were not just victims—they were individuals with hopes, dreams, and futures. They were mothers, daughters, and sisters. And they were taken in an act of pure cruelty.

The Horror That Unfolded

Clifford had been in a relationship with Louise, but their relationship was far from healthy. Like many abusive men, he refused to accept the end of their relationship. He viewed Louise as his possession—something he had the right to control, even in separation.

On the day of the murders, Clifford gained access to the Hunt family home under the pretence of returning Louise’s belongings. But his real intention was far more sinister.

He arrived armed with a crossbow and a butcher’s knife.

What happened next was a calculated, cruel massacre:

Carol Hunt was the first to be attacked. She was stabbed repeatedly, her body showing the hallmarks of a frenzied, rage-fueled assault.
Louise Hunt suffered the worst fate. Clifford restrained her with duct tape, raped her, and then shot her through the chest with a crossbow bolt. It was a final, monstrous act of control.
Hannah Hunt fought to save her sister and mother, but Clifford turned the crossbow on her too. She was shot as she tried to intervene, her bravery costing her life.

The sheer brutality of this attack cannot be overstated. It was not just about murder—it was about punishment, domination, and the ultimate assertion of power over women who dared to live without him.

The Online Influence of Misogyny

In the months after the murders, disturbing new information came to light:

Clifford had spent nights before the murders watching Andrew Tate videos.

For those unfamiliar, Andrew Tate is a self-proclaimed “alpha male” influencer who has built a global following by glorifying male dominance, the subjugation of women, and violent rhetoric. His messages frequently imply that women exist to serve men and that men have the right to control and punish them when they do not comply.

This case should not be viewed in isolation. Clifford is not the first man radicalized by misogyny online. We have seen a growing epidemic of violence against women fueled by internet hate groups, incel forums, and “manosphere” influencers who normalize the belief that women are property rather than people.

I have previously written an article on Andrew Tate and the dangers of online radicalization, which provides a deeper look into how his toxic ideology influences men to see women as disposable. If you want to understand the bigger picture behind cases like this, I strongly encourage you to read it.

A Pattern of Violence Against Women

Sadly, what happened to Carol, Hannah, and Louise is not an anomaly.

Women are killed by men every single day, simply for existing, for leaving relationships, for standing up for themselves.

Every three days, a woman is murdered by a man in the UK.
In 2023, 112 women were killed in acts of femicide.
The majority of these women were murdered by partners or ex-partners.

These are not numbers. These are lives.

Carol, Hannah, and Louise are part of a larger pattern of male violence, one that society continues to ignore, minimize, or dismiss as “isolated incidents.”

But how many more women must die before we call this what it is? A crisis. An epidemic. A war on women.

Demanding Change

Kyle Clifford will spend the rest of his life behind bars, but that does not bring back Carol, Hannah, or Louise. That does not erase the horror they endured or the grief their loved ones will carry forever.

Justice is not just about putting individual killers behind bars. Justice is about changing the world so that no more women end up like Carol, Hannah, and Louise.

🔴 Holding Online Platforms Accountable – Social media companies continue to allow misogynistic influencers to spread their dangerous rhetoric. We need stricter regulations on harmful online content.

🔴 Recognizing the Link Between Online Hate and Real-World Violence – We must stop dismissing online misogyny as “just words” or “harmless opinions.” Words lead to action. We are seeing the deadly consequences.

🔴 Improving Protections for Women in Abusive Relationships – Louise should have been safe. Women leaving relationships should be protected, supported, and given the resources to escape safely. Restraining orders and police reports are not enough.

🔴 Rethinking How We Talk About These Crimes – Stop calling them “domestic disputes.” Stop focusing on the men’s mental health struggles while minimising the suffering of the women they kill. Name it for what it is: Femicide. Terrorism. A crime against women.

We Will Not Forget

Carol, Hannah, and Louise Hunt deserved long, happy lives.

They were taken by a man who believed he had the right to own, control, and destroy them.

But we will not let their names fade into another statistic. We will say their names, we will demand change, and we will continue to fight for a world where women are safe from male violence.

🔴 Rest in power, Carol, Hannah, and Louise. We will not forget you.