'Fake will was written day after millionaire couple were found dead at home'

14 February 2024 , 22:02

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'Fake will was written day after millionaire couple were found dead at home'

A man allegedly murdered a millionaire couple after duping them under fake identities and creating a "fake will", a court heard.

Luke D'Wit is accused of poisoning Stephen and Carol Baxter after he allegedly set up a fake persona of a US-based endocrinologist called Andrea Bowden to help Mrs Baxter, 64, with her Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. Prosecutors told a trial D'Wit, 34, "manipulated" both Mrs Baxter and her daughter, managing the former's medication.

He was also in the couple's home in West Mersea, Essex, every day to care for Mrs Baxter, who suffered from the auto-immune disease which causes weakness and weight gain, the court heard. It's alleged D'Wit went so far as to create a WhatsApp group full of fellow sufferers of the condition - all of which were fake.

So-called Dr Andrea Bowden prescribed Mrs Baxter herbal medications and smoothies with kale and flax seed, the court heard. Tracy Ayling, prosecuting, read some of the advice Dr Bowden gave to Mrs Baxter, which included cutting down on seeing family which was claimed "releases too many chemicals in the adrenal gland".

The court heard D'Wit also posed as a fellow patient named Marli Pantry, backing the doctor's advice. D'Wit, as Marli Pantry, is said to have messaged: "Andrea Bowden the wonder woman has told me to tell my story Carol, so here it is.

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Bodycam footage shows D'Wit talking to officers outside the Baxters' home after the couple was found dead (PA)

"I used to follow Andrea's rules but did, I? No. Before this incident I went on my phone every day and called various family members. Honestly Carol, I have my life back. Listen to Andrea. Stop fighting it. I do not know what you are going through, only that we are very similar and you are stuck in the same phase I was eight months ago.

"I was ill and one day I finally listened. You have your gang - Use them. Use my experience and whatever Andrea says – all her rules. Stick to the rules, Carol." The court was also played voice notes sent by a woman called Jenny, who the prosecution alleged was, in fact, Luke D'Wit.

'Jenny', a film producer, instructed the couple's daughter Ellie into sending voice notes of herself singing, telling her she could get voice lessons at the South Bank in London, Mrs Ayling said. One message allegedly read: “Dear Ellie, it’s Jenny here, Cheryl’s sister and theatre producer. I was talking to your lovely mum last week and we had a nice chat on a day she was feeling well.

Forensics officers at the scene of the couple's home in West Mersea, Essex (EssexLive/BPM)

"Today, would it be possible to have three recordings sent. They don’t need to be perfect. These songs are three distinct styles and will help us place your voice. In early April we will be inviting each of you to come to London to see us for two days.” Police raiding D'Wit's home on July 6 following his arrest uncovered a bag containing packets of fentanyl, the court heard.

Mrs Ayling said: “Some [packets] were opened and some were not. The police officer searched the bag in front of D’Wit at the police station. In a significant comment, D’Wit said words to the effect of 'that is my bag, that’s my granddad’s stuff, he died a few weeks ago.'"

Mrs Ayling then explained four fentanyl patches were missing from the bag, and four fentanyl patches from the same supplier were found at the Baxters’ address. The prosecution also alleged that D’Wit, who appeared in the dock in a wheelchair, had 80 devices including phones and laptops in his possession at the time of the search, in what she called a "web of deception and manipulation".

The alleged 'fake will' which emerged following Mr and Mrs Baxter's deaths (PA)

The trial earlier heard a 'fake will' giving D'Wit "significant control" was written a day after the millionaire couple, aged 61 and 64, were found dead. The couple, who founded shower mat company Cazsplash, were found with synthetic opioid fentanyl in their bodies - up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

A harrowing 999 call and body camera footage worn by police was also heard by the court, in which D'Wit, who lived nearby, can be heard saying the couple were "stiff and cold". The couple were found unresponsive by their daughter Ellie Baxter on Easter Sunday last year.

The deaths were initially treated as not suspicious until the emergence of a "fake will". D'Wit has denied double murder and is on trial at Chelmsford Crown Court. The trial continues.

Susie Beever