Ahead of ITV’s The Essex Millionaire Murders who is the Baxter couple and what caused their tragic deaths Culture | TV The second part of ITV’s The Essex Millionaire Murders will air tonight (April 29), reliving one of Essex Police’s most complex investigations as they try to solve the tragic case of Stephen and Carol Baxter in April 2023 The couple were found dead at their home in West Mersea Ahead of tonight’s screening, which features interviews with four Essex Police officers, we look into the the case of the Essex Millionaire Murders Carol and Stephen Baxter were a wealthy couple from Mersea Island known for their successful business and charitable contributions were respected members of their community and had a reputation for being generous and kind-hearted said: “My mum was full of life and she always pushed me to be better We would have girly days out at the spa and plenty of shopping trips And she said of her father in her tribute: “My dad was a strong man; ‘there are no short cuts in life’ He worked every day of his life and provided for mum In the summer we would have bonfires and the guitar would always come out Watching my dad play and sing so freely is where my love for music began Dad initially got my brother Harry into guitar lessons where they would go together and learn then serenade mum and I.” worked for Stephen and Carol Baxter at their shower mat company D’Wit had been brought in around 2012 to help build the company’s website before befriending them and visiting the couple at their home daily he became increasingly involved in the Baxter family’s life helping Carol to manage her thyroid autoimmune condition D’Wit created several fake more than 20 online identities to aid his deception and had 80 electronic devices which he used to monitor and record the couple One of those personas he created was a Florida-based doctor he named ‘Andrea Bowden’ 10th teenage boy admits to violent disorder in Southend last summer Government announces measures to tighten laws around crossbow sales Mental health deaths inquiry to ‘confront big and difficult questions head on’ How Give Your Best aims to solve clothing poverty in the UK it was revealed that D'Wit would prepare smoothies for Carol claiming they were packed with health benefits these smoothies were actually laced with drugs that worsened her already fragile condition Then, in April 2023, D’Wit poisoned the couple by lacing their drinks with fentanyl It was initially thought the couple died of carbon monoxide poisoning However, on investigation, fentanyl and metal tacks were found in a bag belonging to Luke D’Wit Similar metal tacks had been found in Carol’s stomach prior to her death Cameras had also been installed in the Baxter family home allowing D’Wit to watch the death of the couple On the same day D’Wit had created a fake will to appoint himself as director of the shower mat company In a statement following D’Wit’s conviction the couple’s daughter said: “My mum and dad are dead They were taken from me and my young children “My mother lost her freedom, her will, her ability to function two years prior to her murder due to her illness “An illness no one could help with or understand because it was contrived by Luke D’Wit.” Luke D'Wit was born and raised in Mersea Island He also volunteered at a local soup kitchen presenting himself as a helpful and upstanding member of the community D'Wit harboured manipulative tendencies that would later come to light during the investigation into the murders of Carol and Stephen Baxter After helping the couple with their website and befriending them said her parents looked after D’Wit after his father died The couple’s death did not initially present as suspicious but a post-mortem was crucial in uncovering the truth and witness statements to prove Luke D’Wit was behind the carefully planned murders using his technological expertise to help him commit the crimes using the fictitious personas to assure Carol that she was receiving help for her health conditions “Luke D’Wit was the last person to see Carol and Stephen Baxter alive and The evidence that was gathered showed the lengths to which he went to so he could gain the trust of the Baxter family and evade suspicion The levels of deceitfulness and manipulation he used are extremely disturbing,” said Andrew Young senior crown prosecutor of the Complex Casework Unit in the CPS East of England area Luke D'Wit orchestrated a calculated and sinister scheme to alter the wills of Carol and Stephen Baxter ultimately planning their murders in their own home to secure a controlling stake in their thriving business Lord Justice Lavender labelled D’Wit ‘cruel and senseless’ and praised Essex Police’s Detective Inspector Lydia George for her work in securing this sentence Lord Justice Lavender stated the deaths were based on a “significant degree of planning” but added that D’Wit has never admitted what he did Following D’Wit’s conviction, a review of the deaths of D’Wit’s father and grandfather was opened His father was found dead in his armchair after being prescribed fentanyl Detectives are investigating the death of D'Wit's grandfather as part of their review though details about his death are not clear Det Supt Rob Kirby said D'Wit was “one of the most dangerous men” he had dealt with in his career. He previously told the BBC he had “absolutely no doubt” D'Wit would have carried out further murders had he not been caught Officers "will not hesitate to act" if they uncover fresh evidence • The two-part documentary The Essex Millionaire Murders airs on ITV1 at 9pm on Monday Both episodes are also available for streaming on ITVX Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin Stacey Solomon 'regrets doing reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Stacey Solomon 'regrets reality show with Joe Swash' for tough reason Rihanna shows off baby bump at star-studded Met Gala 2025 as singer's third pregnancy with A$AP Rocky announced Rihanna debuts baby bump on star-studded Met Gala blue carpet Pastel beach huts, wild stretches of sand, rolling countryside, great restaurants and pretty houses – no wonder everyone wants to move to Mersea! 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Whether you want to leave your feedback, ask a question or need help - click here to get in touch with us Reader Treats Terms & ConditionsRead our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions here For best viewing experience of this website Please enter a place name in the search bar After provisionally the warmest May Day on record in the UK higher than average temperatures will subside over the weekend Environment Agency Updated: 07:22 (UTC+1) on Tue 6 May 2025 cloud will increase from off the North Sea to bring a few light showers during the day Some bright or sunny spells developing by late-afternoon Staying dry with some lengthy clear skies overnight Turning chilly with a touch of grass frost in places Largely dry with variable amounts of cloud and bright or sunny spells on Wednesday with variable amounts of cloud and bright or sunny spells throughout the period Dry across the vast majority of the UK with clear or sunny spells but also some patchy cloud Cloud will likely thicken across the far north and northwest during the weekend with some outbreaks of rain for a time There is also a small risk of some heavy showers in the far south or southwest high pressure will be dominant across the UK This will bring predominantly fine and dry weather for the majority of places Temperatures are likely to be slightly above normal for the time of year although there is a chance of some cold nights Fairly typical weather for the time of year is most likely through this period fine and dry weather is more likely to dominate although this will be interspersed with occasional spells of rain and showers with a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms in places temperatures will most likely be near to or slightly above average including CPR and equip yourself to save a life Explore our guides and be prepared to make a difference when it matters most Whether you're looking to raise money from a hobby a community-led initiative or an exhilarating bucket list challenge inspire others and make a meaningful difference to your local life-saving charity Play the Flight For Life Lottery for as little as £5 per month With 57 cash prizes and a £1,000 top prize every week enter our Superdraw for an opportunity to win up to £25,000 we were excited to have our new charity shop on Mersea Island officially opened by CEO Jane Gurney and David Cook a former patient who has benefitted directly from the life-saving service the air ambulance provides councillors including West Mersea Mayor Sophie Weaver EHAAT trustees Clive Gilham and Roy Marfleet volunteers and staff gathered together outside the shop where Jane cut the ribbon to mark the occasion He went into anaphylactic shock and was air-lifted to hospital David and Jill supported the charity by volunteering for many years the new charity shop symbolises the dedication of the Mersea Island community and marks a significant advancement in the charity’s mission to save lives situated conveniently across the road from the original location offers ample space for browsing and discovering remarkable bargains the shop features improved donation facilities and parking for donation drop-offs “This new shop is more than just a place to find a bargain or give your pre-loved items a second chance; it’s a testament to the commitment of the Mersea Island community and a significant stride forward in our mission to save lives We’re particularly proud to be opening this new charity shop right where our retail story began over 20 years ago Now we’ve moved across the road to this bigger and better location we are offering more space for you to browse and find amazing bargains the more life-saving missions you’ll make possible.” encouraged by the incredible support of the local community the Mersea shop team has set a challenge to divert 70 tonnes of pre-loved items from landfill Locals are encouraged to be a part of what will be a significant environmental achievement and to track their progress there will be a visual chart in the shop allowing everyone to see the positive impact of their contributions Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s Mersea Charity Shop West Mersea CO5 8QX is open: Monday-Saturday: 09:00-17:00 Join the community and recieve all the latest news and updates straight to your inbox Join the community and receive all the latest news and updates straight to your inbox Luke D'Wit befriended Stephen and Carol Baxter who died at their home in Essex News | UK An IT worker who poisoned a married couple with fentanyl is feared to have killed his own father and grandfather Luke D'Wit, 34, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 37 years after using the opioid painkiller to poison Stephen and Carol Baxter at their £1million home in West Mersea, Essex Detectives are now exploring whether D’Wit was responsible for the death of his father who had been prescribed fentanyl before he was found dead in a chair at his nearby home in 2021 detectives have also been re-examining how D’Wit’s grandfather died Essex Police said: “Up to the conviction and sentence of Luke D’Wit our determined focus has been securing justice in relation to the murders of Carol and Stephen “As with any investigation of this magnitude everything we have uncovered is being reviewed and should anything suggest this has been the case we will not hesitate to act.” Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby previously told the BBC News he could not rule out the possibility D’Wit had already killed others before being convicted of murdering the Baxters He had “absolutely no doubt” D’Wit would have committed further murders had he not been caught Det Supt Kirby described the killer as “one of the most dangerous men” he had seen during his career who befriended and worked for Stephen and Carol Baxter created a gallery of fake personas to manipulate them in the two years before their deaths He pretended to be a doctor from Florida and members of a fake support group for the thyroid condition Hashimoto’s He later changed their will to make him a director of their shower mat company and her 61-year-old husband were found dead at their home by their daughter Ellie on Easter Sunday last year D’Wit, of West Mersea, arrived soon after and described himself as a “friend” to a 999 call handler, before calmly giving a false account, as Ellie was heard in distress in the background, Chelmsford Crown Court heard. The judge, Mr Justice Nicholas Lavender, said he was sure that D’Wit “extracted the fentanyl from patches which had been originally prescribed for your father, who died in 2021”. Teenager who killed schoolgirl Elianne Andam named and pictured for the first time Kilburn shooting victim named as neighbours pay tribute to'sunshine of the community' The Perfect Couple: Meet the cast in the new Netflix drama What’s causing your headache? The answer may surprise you He said promethazine tablets were crushed into a powder. He said D’Wit gave the drugs to the Baxters in a drink on April 7, which they took as they trusted D’Wit to prepare “supposed health drinks” for them. The defendant cleaned up afterwards, the judge said, adding that “when the Baxters were unconscious, you took the macabre step of using an application on two mobile telephones to monitor them while you left the house for a time”. The judge said that over the course of about nine years, D’Wit “became a close friend of the Baxters, who regarded you as a member of their family”. Reading her victim impact statement in court, Ellie Baxter told how D’Wit “lied his way into our lives”. She described him as a “man so manipulative he hacked his way into our lives over a decade ago, schemed and thoroughly planned my parents’ demise”. She said her parents had “looked after Luke”, adding: “They just decided he was lonely, especially after Luke’s dad died. “They took him under their wing and would let him join in.” She said her mother was “completely brainwashed” by D’Wit, who posed as a doctor. VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day, Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte, Lady Victoria Starmer is played footage of him talking to police.","thumbnailUrl":["https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1920x1080/p0hc27cl.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/1232x1232/p0hc27cl.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/688xn/p0hc27cl.jpg","https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/400xn/p0hc27cl.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2024-02-14T22:06:50.000Z","duration":"PT1M2S","embedUrl":"https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av-embeds/68301945"}West Mersea murder suspect calls 999 after bodies foundThis video can not be played CloseThe trial of a man accused of murdering a couple has been played recordings of him talking to police and calling 999 after their bodies were found Luke D'Wit denies murdering Stephen Baxter who were discovered unresponsive at their home in West Mersea the couple's daughter is heard screaming while Mr D'Wit tells the call handler the couple were sitting in their chairs "stiff cold" Chelmsford Crown Court heard he poisoned them with the opioid painkiller fentanyl and rewrote their will Shareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRead descriptionExplore moreWatch: Murder suspect calls 999 after bodies found 00:01:02Watch: Murder suspect calls 999 after bodies found 1:02 Up Next Watch: Footage that led to 'nerdy' killer's arrest 00:01:08Watch: Footage that led to 'nerdy' killer's arrest 1:08Editor's recommendations Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 00:01:44Watch: BBC reports from pier 33 - the gateway to Alcatraz 1:44 Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 00:01:25Watch: Prince Louis steals the show as royals mark VE Day 1:25 Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster Video 00:01:21Watch: How Lady Gaga's record-breaking concert almost ended in disaster 1:21 'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 00:01:20'Trump was the game-changer': Three things to know about the Australian election result 1:20 Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 00:02:54Prince Harry 'can't see a world' where his family will visit the UK 2:54 Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 00:01:32Watch: Key moments from the local elections.. 1:32 Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 00:01:11Watch: Reform by-election win raises questions for Labour and Tories 1:11 Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 00:00:50Russell Brand's court appearance explained.. 0:50 Ros Atkins on.. 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The race has run virtually every year since then attracting up to 180 participants from near and far to take part in the unusual challenge A particularly memorable occasion was when a large number of squib keelboats (at 19 foot long and weighing 680kg) entered the race and a mobile crane was hired to lift the boats across the road the race tends to attract a wide range of dinghies and catamarans from fishermen’s open boats to Hurricane catamarans all hoping to be the fastest to circumnavigate the Island Whilst competitors are required to choose their start time in advance sailors can decide which way to go on the day Some of the faster craft even circumnavigate the Island twice the race takes on average about two and a half hours to complete although of course this does depend on the wind tide and size of boat competing – with boats as small as Toppers having participated all aiming to finish by the 6pm cut off time the race was won by a Javelin in breezy conditions much to the delight of spectators watching from the beach Tim Wood is one of the competitors who has taken part in almost every race winning twice in his Wayfarer both in 1994 and 2003 (the only times a Wayfarer has won) – each of these years relishing the classic sea breeze enabling him to carry the spinnaker all the way round Tim says “I’d love to win it a third time This year I’m sailing with Connor (aged 17) It’s a wonderful event and great fun – but it is a long way and can take time.” And for anyone considering taking part for the first time he has the following advice: “It’s all dependent on choosing the right start time and if you’re lucky with the weather – any boat can win – a small Mirror dinghy (weighing in at just over 45kg) has won twice!” This year, the race is due to take place on Saturday 02 September, the organisers choosing a date when there will be a big tide. More information can be found here https://www.merseasailing.com/event/round-west-mersea-island-race For more information about how to get out on the water in the East Region visit www.rya.org.uk/startboating ShareSaveWatch: World War Two bomb explodes on beachHM Coastguard says it was a "loud detonation". Crews try to save artefacts from sailing club fireThe fire service "worked incredibly hard to save artefacts and other important items". Suspect's car gets stuck in mud after police chaseAn Audi is pursued from the city into country lanes and a rutted field. Social media sign cleaning star hits Essex streetsA man whose road sign cleaning videos have gone viral gets his hands dirty in his new home county. Watch: Bodycam shows police raid on cannabis farmOfficers forced entry to the property in Southend where they found plants being grown. MP opens Parliament debate with sign languageThe Essex MP leads a debate on the introduction of a programme of British Sign Language classes. 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