Luke D’Wit has been found guilty of murdering Stephen and Carol Baxter by administering fentanyl, following a sinister plot that involved impersonation and manipulation.
In a harrowing case from West Mersea, Essex, IT worker Luke D’Wit has been convicted of the murder of Stephen and Carol Baxter, a married couple, through poisoning with fentanyl. The 34-year-old, who had ingratiated himself with the Baxters while working on their shower mat business, manipulated their will to appoint himself as a director. His elaborate deception included posing as different personas, such as a doctor and a solicitor, culminating in a sinister plot that left the couple dead. Their daughter discovered their bodies at home, revealing the tragic end of D’Wit’s calculated scheme.
D’Wit’s actions, described by prosecutors as a calculated scheme of multiple fake identities, came to light during his trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, where he was found guilty. Following his conviction, he is expected to receive a life sentence from Judge Mr. Justice Nicholas Lavender. The case shed light on D’Wit’s disturbing methods, which included crafting a fake will and exploiting Mrs. Baxter’s vulnerability by administering harmful substances under the guise of health remedies.
The investigation, led by Det Supt Rob Kirby, highlighted D’Wit as one of the most alarming individuals encountered by law enforcement, owing to his ability to conceal his deadly intentions behind a façade of helpfulness. The couple had perceived D’Wit as merely “weird, but nerdy weird,” not realizing the depth of his malevolence.
The chilling murders and subsequent trial have deeply shaken the community of West Mersea, bringing to the forefront the extent of D’Wit’s deception and manipulation. As he awaits sentencing, the case serves as a stark exposition of how dangerous intentions can hide behind seemingly benign interactions, unraveling the security of unsuspecting victims.
