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The court learned that the daughter of a married couple, who were believed to have been poisoned by fentanyl, was arrested for their murders but later released, as a family friend was ultimately charged with the crime.
During the trial for the murder of Stephen and Carol Baxter, Ellie Baxter testified at Chelmsford Crown Court that Luke D’Wit had been like a sibling to her.
D’Wit, who is 34 years old, has been accused of modifying a will for Mr. Baxter, aged 61, and his wife, aged 64, the day after they were discovered deceased at their residence in Mersea Island, Essex on April 9 of last year.
During her testimony in court, Ellie Baxter, the daughter of D’Wit, confirmed to a lawyer that he had lent her a substantial sum of money.
Adam Davis, representing D’Wit, informed her: “I can provide you with a sum that exceeded £7,000.”
According to Mr. Davis, he never refused you at any point.
Ms Baxter responded, “We had a strong bond.”
A screenshot was captured from a bodyworn video dated 09/04/23, released by Essex Police, featuring Luke D’Wit making statements to the authorities.
She stated that after her parents passed away, she had no money and her partner was unable to work following their arrest.
During the trial, it was revealed that Ms. Baxter had been taken into custody as a suspect in her parents’ killings at an earlier stage of the investigation before being released.
She told Luke that she had believed he was her brother, but the evidence is mounting and everything is now clear.
When Mr. Davis asked if she could run the shower mat business without Mr. D’Wit, she replied that his knowledge of websites and related matters was far greater than her own or her parents’, which was a cause for concern.
According to reports, D’Wit purportedly produced a forged will on his mobile device, falsely appointing himself as a director of the Baxters’ shower mat company.
Ms Baxter confirmed that there was an alternate route to her parents’ home, located at the back of the property, which bypassed the doorbell cameras on the front entrance.
Earlier, she was questioned about profiles that were supposedly fake and made by D’Wit. These were profiles that she had been communicating with online.
It was reported in court that following D’Wit’s apprehension, the communication from these accounts ceased.
Ms Baxter was asked by Prosecutor Tracy Ayling KC about her reaction upon realizing that the individuals she had been communicating with were not genuine.
“I was completely overwhelmed,” stated Ms Baxter.
“I am feeling confused. What has occurred and who can I rely on?”
Mr. Davis inquired with Ms. Baxter about her potential involvement in the death of her parents.
Her response was, “I was not.” She also refuted any involvement in a “cover up.”
As her voice cracked, Ms Baxter said: “All I’m guilty of is loving my parents.”
After Mr. Davis finished questioning her, Ms. Baxter was asked by prosecutor Ms. Ayling if she was alright. She tearfully responded with a nod and a simple “yes.”
The trial continues.
Source: independent.co.uk
