The Essex Millionaire Murders

The two-part programme, produced by Candour, features interviews with four Essex Police officers, including Detective Inspector Lydia George. 

DI George was Senior Investigating Officer on the case. She led a team of detectives who worked day and night to secure justice for Carol and Stephen’s loved ones.  

Following a far-reaching investigation pulling in resource from across the force, the Baxters’ close family friend Luke D’Wit was convicted of their murders. D'Wit was handed a life sentence with at least 37 years in prison. This is one of the most significant sentences ever secured after an Essex Police investigation. 

DC Kerry Turner, who was Communications Officer and Family Liaison Officer for the case, is also interviewed as part of the documentary. DC Emily Larkin, who managed the medical aspect of the investigation, and DC Reuben Brame, who reviewed the vast number of digital devices involved, complete the Essex Police cast. 

The documentary explores D’Wit’s grooming and control of the Baxter family in the years leading up to their deaths. As part of this manipulation, he created many fake personas. This included posing as a doctor and persuading Carol and Stephen to take on a “liver cleanse” – a cruel, calculated act that ended their lives. 

D’Wit used this opportunity to poison the couple with fentanyl in their own home, with daughter Ellena finding her parents passed away in their armchairs. 

Ellena has also contributed to the documentary, along with Tracy Ayling KC, who led the prosecution of D’Wit at Chelmsford Crown Court.  

Speaking after D’Wit’s sentencing in March 2024, DI George said:

“It is simply impossible to put a number on the lives of Carol and Stephen. They were loving, generous parents. They helped people and touched the lives of many. 
“They were entering a period in their lives where they should have been able to enjoy precious time with their grandchildren. 
“They should have been planning holidays, looking forward to spending Christmases with family and living their lives to the full. 
“Luke D’Wit took all that away in April 2023. He tried to cover it up. He went to great lengths to blame others who we know were not involved in any way. 
“He clearly enjoyed the control he exerted over people, especially Carol and Stephen. 
“Ultimately, the only person in this world who knows why he acted this way is Luke D’Wit - and he has proven time and time again to be a manipulator. 
“What we do know is; the significant sentence handed down is entirely fitting for the pathological liar that he is.” 

To address the issues highlighted in the documentary, we have teamed up with Hourglass to raise awareness about the abuse of older people.

Hourglass is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting older adults and their families who are victims of abuse.

Carol and Steven were tragically unaware of the extent of the abuse by someone they trusted. The manipulation and deceit they faced led to their deaths.

Sadly, this type of abuse is not uncommon. Essex Police want to use this opportunity to raise awareness about what this abuse looks like and to highlight that Hourglass is a place to seek help.

Our goal is to inform all our communities about the signs of abuse and remind them that it can happen to anyone, regardless of age.