The Essex Millionaire Murders - Does Crime Pay?

Nicola Moulds's profile picture

Nicola Moulds - Senior Associate

Published
Article reviewed by Helen Thompson.

The Essex Millionaire Murders Does Crime Pay

Carole and Stephen Baxter were tragically murdered in April 2023 by their business consultant, trusted friend and de facto carer, Luke D’Wit.

 D’Wit orchestrated a calculated scheme to alter the couple’s Will.  He ultimately murdered the couple in their home with a view to securing a controlling stake in their thriving shower mat business.

In this article, our Contentious Probate lawyers explore the tragic events, the legal issues surrounding the forged Will, and how the law ensures that crime does not pay.

 

Contact Our Experts

The murders and forged Will

On 09 April 2023, the Baxters were found dead in their home by their daughter, Ellie.

Toxicology reports later revealed that both Stephen and Carol had been poisoned with lethal doses of Fentanyl, an opioid painkiller.
D'Wit lived nearby and worked for and befriended the Baxters. 

In addition, using multiple electronic devices, he posed various fictitious personas, including a fake doctor named Andrew Bowden.  He used these identities to manipulate Carrol's medical treatment and gain control over the couple. 

Using a further fake persona under the guise of another medic, D'Wit persuaded Stephen and Carol Baxter to undergo a so-called 'liver cleanse'.  Sadly, this contained the fatal doses of drugs, which led to their deaths.

The day after Stephen and Carol's death, D'Wit created a forged Will naming himself as a director and 'person of significant control' of the Baxters' successful business, Cazsplash.

Sign Up For The Latest Legal Insights

The murders and forged Will

Estate and Will

The forged Will created by D'Wit was a key piece of evidence in his conviction. 

It helped to highlight that he had a motive for the killing: to benefit financially from the estate.

As the Baxters did not draft the Will and it was fraudulent, it held no legal standing.
 
The legitimate estate and business interests of Stephen and Carol were preserved for the proper beneficiaries in accordance with the couple's true testamentary wishes.

Even if D'Wit had been named as a beneficiary in a legitimate Will that had been prepared based upon the Baxters' wishes during their lifetime, he would still not have been able to benefit from it, given his involvement in the couple's deaths. 

In England and Wales, the Forfeiture Act 1982 precludes persons guilty of unlawful killing from acquiring a benefit from a consequence of the killing.

Speak To Our Contentious Probate Team

Estate and Will

Concluding remarks

Tragic cases like this are very rare.  However, they can serve as a reminder that human beings will sometimes go to unusual lengths in the interest of financial gain. 

Perhaps the best we can do is try to have our affairs in order, including where our estate should pass when we pass, in good time before we think our time is up. 

Contact Us

Contact Our Contentious Probate Lawyers

Need Advice on Contesting a Will or Protecting an Estate?

If you are concerned about the validity of a Will or need expert guidance on Contentious Probate matters, our specialist team is here to help.

We provide clear, practical advice to ensure your loved one’s wishes are respected and protected.

0161 941 4000

Latest Myerson Contentious Probate News


Myerson Secures Granddaughter’s Inheritance and Removal of Executor in High Court Victory
News

Myerson Secures Granddaughter’s Inheritance and Removal of Executor in High Court Victory

Myerson has successfully represented a granddaughter in a High Court dispute over her late grandmother’s estate, securing her share of the inheritance and the removal of her uncle as executor. Myerson’s specialist Contentious Probate team acted for the claimant, Miss James, instructing Tomos Rees of 5 Stone Buildings as counsel. The dispute...

Read News
4 minutes reading time
Contentious Probate, Trusts and Will Disputes | 27 October 2026
Myerson Magazine Autumn 2026 Issue
Newsletter

Myerson Magazine Autumn 2026 Issue

Welcome to the latest edition of Myerson Magazine, where we share practical legal advice, expert insights and news from across Myerson Solicitors.   In this issue, we cover some of the important legal considerations that arise at different stages of life, from protecting family wealth and planning for the next generation to understanding your...

Read Newsletter
20 minutes reading time
Cohabiting Couples Property Ownership Disputes | 23 October 2026
McDaniel v Talbot: Can an Estranged Child Contest a Parent’s Will?
Blog

McDaniel v Talbot: Can an Estranged Child Contest a Parent’s Will?

Being left out of a parent’s Will can be particularly difficult where a once-distant relationship has been rebuilt, but the Will still reflects an earlier period of estrangement. For an adult child in this position, the question is not simply whether their exclusion feels unfair, but whether the Will makes reasonable financial provision for their...

Read Blog
7 minutes reading time
Contentious Probate, Trusts and Will Disputes | 22 October 2026
Can I Challenge a Will if My Relative Had Dementia?
Blog

Can I Challenge a Will if My Relative Had Dementia?

Discovering that a loved one changed their Will shortly before they died can be upsetting and distressing, particularly where the changes have an adverse effect on those closest. That is particularly true if they had been diagnosed with dementia and the contents of the Will come as a complete surprise. A question we are frequently asked is: "Can...

Read Blog
4 minutes reading time
Contesting a Will | 16 September 2026
Myerson Magazine Summer 2026 Issue
Newsletter

Myerson Magazine Summer 2026 Issue

We're pleased to share the latest issue of Myerson Magazine, bringing together practical legal insights, updates on significant legislative changes and stories from across the firm. In this Summer edition, our experts explore the legal issues affecting individuals, families, business owners and property investors, from the Renters' Rights Act and...

Read Newsletter
30 minutes reading time
Gifting | 15 July 2026
Inheritance Rights for Unmarried Couples: What Happens If Your Partner Dies?
Blog

Inheritance Rights for Unmarried Couples: What Happens If Your Partner Dies?

Many couples live together for years, sharing a home, finances, and children, believing that time alone provides the same protection as marriage. It doesn’t. In England and Wales, an unmarried partner has no automatic right to inherit, regardless of how long the relationship lasted. To understand your rights and risks, this guide from our...

Read Blog
7 minutes reading time
Contentious Probate, Trusts and Will Disputes | 01 July 2026
Nicola Moulds's profile picture

Nicola Moulds

Senior Associate

Nicola has over 15 years of experience acting as a Contentious Probate solicitor. Nicola has specialist expertise in disputes as to the validity of wills, claims against personal representatives, trustees and professionals, applications for the removal of executors, as well as burial disputes.

About Nicola Moulds