BBC Journalist’s Family Tragedy: Police Call Crossbow Murder a "Targeted" Attack

More details are emerging about the tragic murder of John Hunt’s family.

Kyle Clifford, 26—who is suspected of murdering the BBC reporter’s wife Carol Hunt, 61, and daughters Hannah, 28, and Louise, 25, with a crossbow on July 9—is believed to have been connected to the family.

Hertfordshire Constabulary Chief Superintendent Jon Simpson, during a July 10 press conference, noted maintaining public safety was a primary concern as was locating Kyle, who he said "is wanted in connection with murder of the three women, in what we believe is a targeted incident.”

During the same conference, Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit noted police “believe the suspect was known to the victims."

Following the press conference on July 10, Kyle was detained by British police near Enfield—located less than an hour’s drive from Bushey, where the murders were carried out—following a manhunt, Sky News reported.

Aerial footage showed the police carrying Kyle on a stretcher in a cemetery, and the Hertfordshire Constabulary said in a statement, "He is receiving medical treatment having been found with injuries. No shots were fired by police."

Per BBC reporting on July 11, Hertfordshire Police shared an update that Kyle was in serious condition in the hospital and had yet to speak to officers.

During the evening of July 9, first responders were called to the Hunt home where the three victims were reportedly found with serious injuries, local police shared during the press conference, adding that the women later died on the scene.

At the time, Superintendent Simpson added that the “horrific incident” was carried out with “what is currently believed to be a crossbow, but other weapons also may have been used.”

In addition to urging the public to share any information with law enforcement, he expressed his understanding that local residents might be experiencing heightened concern and added, “Additional local officers will be in the area, so please do speak to them if you need to.”

E! News previously reached out to local law enforcement for comment but had not heard back.

But while John and his daughter grapple with the tragedy, their friends and community have shown their love and support.

In addition to cards and flowers that have been left near the family home, John’s colleagues from the BBC.

BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Mark Chapman, ahead of the BBC’s July 10 Euro 2024 coverage, acknowledged the “heartbreaking day.”

“John Hunt is our colleague and our friend, not just to the current 5 Live sport team but to all of those who have worked here with him over the past 20 years and also to all of you who have enjoyed his superb commentaries," he added through tears. "On behalf of everybody connected to 5 Live sport, our love and thoughts and support are with John and his family."

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