A SADISTIC murderer has been sentenced to 37 years in jail after he poisoned a married couple before accusing their son and daughter of framing him.
Luke D’Wit, 34, was convicted of killing Stephen and Carol Baxter on Wednesday after a jury found him guilty on two counts of murder.
He received a 37-year prison term from the Honourable Nicholas Lavender on Friday at Chelmsford Crown Court.
In a packed courtroom, the prosecution argued D’Wit’s murder, which involved him poisoning the people who considered him “like an adopted son”, had been planned years in advance.
Tracy Ayling KC, prosecuting, said: “This involved a substantial degree of planning, sadistic conduct, and the murder of two or more persons.”
“There was the manipulation and befriending of Ellena Baxter, the falsification of medical conditions including cancer, and the administering of four times the amount of promethazine to Carol resulting in dementia or stroke-like behaviour.
“There was the post-murder clear up, the placement of fentanyl patches, the sophistication of the iHeartCam, attending the funeral home with Ellena Baxter, attending the Baxters’ funeral, and alleging through his counsel that Stephen Baxter killed his wife.
“There was the alleging that Ellena Baxter and Harry Baxter were possible killers or had covered up a murder and framed D’Wit.”
Adam Davies KC, mitigating, admitted D’Wit’s offending attracted “a very, very long sentence indeed”.
Addressing D’Wit before passing his sentence, Justice Lavender said: “You ended Carol and Stephen Baxter’s lives and you brought grief and misery to the lives of others, especially their children, Harry and Ellena, and Carol Baxter’s daughter, Rachel, and sisters, Jayne and Julia.
“As Ellena Baxter said, you have given them years of pain and trauma.
“I am sure that you intended to kill Carol and Stephen Baxter - there has been no suggestion to the contrary.
“Moreover, I consider that it is distinctly possible that what really motivated you was a desire to control others."
He continued by sentencing D'Wit to a life sentence of 37 years.
He added: "If and when you are released, you will still be subject to licence – this will remain the case for the rest of your life."
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