A man has been found guilty of brutally attacking his stepdaughter and her husband, leading to their tragic deaths. Derek Martin, from Moulsecoomb, Brighton, faced charges after bludgeoning Chloe Bashford with a hammer and stabbing her multiple times. He then waited for her husband Josh to return home, where he also stabbed and strangled him to death. Martin later picked up the couple’s four children from school, took them for a meal, and then turned himself in to the police after attempting to clean up the crime scene.
During the trial at Brighton Law Courts, Martin admitted to the killings but claimed he was suffering from a serious mental disorder at the time. However, a jury deliberated for five and a half hours before finding him guilty of both murders. The families of the victims reacted with shock as the verdict was announced. Martin, aged 67, remained emotionless during the proceedings and will face sentencing in November.
Prior to the tragic event, Martin had been involved in the family’s life, helping out with various tasks around their home in Newhaven, East Sussex. The incident stemmed from a dispute over money that escalated into a violent confrontation, leading to the fatal attacks. Martin’s erratic behavior, including not taking his medication and lack of sleep, was highlighted during the trial as contributing factors to the tragedy.
Despite admitting to the killings, Martin denied the charges of murder, citing his mental health condition as a defense. The court proceedings shed light on the events leading up to the horrific incident, painting a picture of escalating tensions and a tragic outcome. The community and the victims’ families await Martin’s sentencing as justice is sought for the senseless loss of life.
