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Kim Davis co-hosts the Slaycation podcast alongside husband Adam Davis and friend Jerry Kolber. The podcast – which I absolutely love – explores cases of murder, mysterious deaths and disappearances while on vacation – or holiday as well call it in the UK. I highly recommend that you check it out and add it to your podcast list. 

Kim is a trained social worker specialising in domestic abuse and has worked in domestic abuse shelters in her career. She has expert insight into the impact of domestic abuse and the behaviours of domestic abuse perpetrators. 

She is also a fan of true crime and does the majority of the research for Slaycation – trying to find an answer to why people commit such horrific crimes. 

This is our interview with Kim Davis from Slaycation podcast. 

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

About Slaycation: The Team Behind the True Crime Podcast

Slaycation: True Crimes, Murders, and Twisted Vacations | Podcast on Spotify

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

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On the first day of school at Wild Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland in September 2017, beloved social studies teacher Laura Wallen didn’t turn up and had vanished without a trace. Just days later, her body was discovered in a shallow grave — shot dead. Laura was four months pregnant which a wanted child called Reid. The man accused of killing her was her boyfriend and the father of her unborn child, Tyler Tessier. He was arrested for her murder but would never face justice, taking his own life in prison a year later.

This is the story of Laura Wallen and Reid.

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Laura Wallen: Pregnant high school teacher was allegedly murdered by her boyfriend, Tyler Tessier

Laura Wallen: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her?

MURDERED: Laura Wallen | Crime Junkie Podcast

Father of slain Montgomery Co. teacher says student tribute comforted family - WTOP News

 Murdered mother's family speaks out

Who Is Tyler Tessier? 9 Things To Know In Columbia Teacher's Murder | Columbia, MD Patch

Homicide leading cause of death for pregnant women in U.S. | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Governor Hogan signs Laura and Reid's Law

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

In January 1993, a house fire tore through the Romand family home in Prévessin-Moëns, near the French-Swiss border. Inside, Florence Romand and her two young children, Antoine and Caroline, were dead. Jean-Claude Romand — husband, father, and apparent survivor — was clinging to life. But what first looked like a devastating accident quickly unravelled into something far darker: the calculated murder of an entire family and the exposure of a man who had spent his life living a lie. Jean-Claude Romand wasn’t just a killer — he was a master deceiver who had faked his career, manipulated those closest to him, and, in a final act of horror, murdered his wife, children, and parents to stop the truth from coming out. He survived, was convicted, and in 2019, after 26 years behind bars, walked free.

This is the story of the Romand Family. 

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

The Adversary: Amazon.co.uk: Carrere, Emmanuel, Coverdale, Linda: 9780747551898: Books 

Jean-Claude Romand | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers

Frenchman who killed his entire family after fraudulently posing as a doctor released from jail | Daily Mail Online

Jean-Claude Romand: Fake French doctor who killed family is free - BBC News

Jean-Claude Romand: The fake doctor turned family annihilator | by Ominous Nights | Medium

Deadly fantasist | | The Guardian

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

In 2005 25 year old Janet Abaroa was found dead by her husband Raven – she was pregnant at the time and also had a six month old son who was unharmed. Although Janet’s murder is still technically unsolved her family always suspected that it was Raven who killed her and his unborn child. In 2014 he entered an Alford Plea acknowledging that there was enough evidence to convict him but didn’t technically admit guilt for the murders. 

This is the story of Janet Abaroa and her unborn child.

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Video Janet Abaroa's family remembers the slain 25-year-old mother - ABC News

Where Are Janet Abaroa's Sisters and Brother Today?

How contact lenses blew a 2005 murder case wide open and led to a husband serving prison time - ABC News

MURDERED: Janet Abaroa | Crime Junkie Podcast

Janet Abaroa Murder: Who Was Behind Her Tragic End?

Where Is Raven Abaroa Now and Why Was He Released?

Woman 'Lucky' to Get Away from Husband Accused of Murdering 1st Wife - ABC News

Alford plea - Wikipedia

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

In November 2007 29 year old Lorraine McGovern and her five children – Caroline, Sean, Bellina, Clodagh and James - were killed in a fire in their home in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The fire was set deliberately by Lorraine’s partner Arthur McElhill who also died in the fire. McElhill was a convicted sex offender who groomed and abused many teenage girls including his partner Lorraine. A review into the murders found that authorities could not have stopped their deaths – I am not so sure.  

This is the story of the McElhill Family.  

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Independent Review Report of Agency Involvement with Mr Arthur McElhill, Ms Lorraine McGovern and their children - June 2008 | Department of Health

‘Help me, I’m burning’ - chilling last words of Omagh blaze teen | BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

BBC News - Who was Arthur McElhill?

BBC News - Sex abuser McElhill killed his family in Omagh fire

McElhill fire deaths: Relatives sue for damages - BBC News

McElhill fire murder house in Omagh is demolished - BBC News

It's 10 years since NI mum Lorraine McGovern and her five children were killed in a house fire by the children's father, Arthur McElhill - their friends and neighbours tell how that horrific night continues to haunt them | BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Northern Ireland Assembly debate McElhill/McGovern Tragedy in Omagh: 8 Feb 2010: Northern Ireland Assembly debates - TheyWorkForYou

Adolescence links:

Adolescence: ‘I left the No 10 roundtable with a sense of optimism.’ | The Children's Society

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

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This bonus episode is my analysis of the Netflix show Adolescence. A drama by Stephen Graham which follows the story of Jamie – a 13 year old boy – who is arrested for the murder of a classmate – Katie. It explores incel culture and misogyny amongst young people and apparently the Prime Minister has committed to showing it in all schools as part of relationships and sex education. 

This is my analysis of Netflix’s Adolescence. 

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Watch Adolescence | Netflix Official Site

BBC Radio 4 - You Do Not Have to Say Anything - Available now

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rcurtismoss_adolescence-incel-manosphere-activity-7312821136289849344-wD7u?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAfUq8MBRW8XXSFMuThikAO8MQzj_QGJgdQ 

What Is Incel Culture And Where Did The Term Come From?

Prime Ministers Question 

Downing Street opens doors to Adolescence creators for vital discussion on protecting our children - GOV.UK

Parliamentary debate

Netflix drama Adolescence shines light on 'growing problem' - PM - BBC News 

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

VOTE for Killer in the family in this year’s True Crime Awards Listener’s Choice category – it only takes 2 minutes – thank you! True Crime Awards 2025 - Listeners' Choice

In July 2000 31 year old Claire Quinn and her two children – 8 year old Kieran and 7 year old Jade were killed by husband and father Phillip Austin in Northamptonshire in the UK. He also killed the family’s two dogs. Absconding after he murdered his whole family Austin was found and arrested a week later in the Lake District. Initially trying to plead not guilty to the murders Austin was found guilty of murder and given three life sentences. 

This is the story of the Austin Family.  

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Phillip Austin's scarring familicide of his wife and young children | Crime+Investigation UK

Phillip Austin - Wikipedia

BBC News | UK | Hidden rage drove father to kill

Phillip Austin (The Northampton Family Annihilation) | British Murders Podcast (S03E03) | True Crime

'He should be in prison for life’: Prolific Northampton murderer who killed his wife, children and dogs in 2000 up for parole

Victims' family 'totally disgusted' after brutal Northampton murderer denied parole, but recommended for open prison

Phillip Austin: Triple killer will not be moved to open prison - BBC News

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

In July 2024, just last year, Carol Hunt was at her home in Bushey near Watford with two of her three daughters – Hannah aged 28 years old and Louise aged 25 years old. Kyle Clifford – Louise’ ex-boyfriend came to the house and murdered all three women. A violent man with a history of control, he was convicted of the murders in January this year and has just been convicted of raping Louise as well. Clifford will spend the rest of his life in prison for the horrific destruction of nearly a whole family.

This is the update episode for Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt.

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Killer in the family episode 56 on Carol, Hannah and Louise Hunt

https://open.spotify.com/episode/12MQvoVqtwgSgkPkkZwuut?si=mmx1IGGGQL6ZuTKgRReP3w

Talks with Dr Shafer podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/when-home-isnt-safe-identifying-risks-for-femicide/id1723838159?i=1000698691511 

Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford to be sentenced for triple murder - BBC News

Kyle Clifford trial latest: Killer who murdered BBC commentator's family found guilty of rape during attack | UK News | Sky News

Kyle Clifford's calculated murder plot from posing as sister to twisted mum deceit

Twisted world of Andrew Tate-obsessed crossbow killer: Love rat Army dropout Kyle Clifford was cheating on Louise Hunt with TWO women and banned her from wearing make up or going out without him | Daily Mail Online

First he stabbed the mother, then cruelly violated his ex for two and a half hours before killing her and her sister with a crossbow: How 'evil' Kyle Clifford's mur

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

VOTE for Killer in the family in this year’s True Crime Awards Listener’s Choice category – it only takes 2 minutes – thank you! True Crime Awards 2025 - Listeners' Choice

On 25 September 2000, Maeve Byrne was stabbed and killed by her husband, Stephen Byrne, in the village of Cuffesgrange, near Kilkenny in Ireland. Horrifyingly after killing his wife Stephen then took his two children – 10 year old Alan and 6 year old Shane and drove them off a pier in County Wexford, on the south coast of Ireland. They were both killed, and their bodies found two days later, with Stephen’s dead body found day after that. Deemed a crime of passion, Stephen’s horrifying murders will be remembered by all.

This is the story of the Byrne Family.

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Flesh and Blood: Murder-Suicides that Haunt Ireland eBook : Tallant, Nicola: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store 

The crime of passion that destroyed an entire family | Irish Independent

Body is identified as the father of drowned boys – The Irish Times

Tragic Stephen stabbed Maeve 4 times, then gave his 2 boys alcohol & drove them off the end of a pier to their deaths; INQUEST HEARS HOW DAD KILLED HIS FAMILY OVER WIFE'S AFFAIRS. - Free Online Library

Boys' last desperate battle to escape `suicide' plunge car | Irish Independent

Inquest into deaths of mother and sons opens – The Irish Times

Stabbing and drowning tragedy wiped out family | Irish Independent

Wexford’s litany of sadness tells depressing tale

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton

Send us a text

VOTE for Killer in the family in this year’s True Crime Awards Listener’s Choice category – it only takes 2 minutes – thank you! True Crime Awards 2025 - Listeners' Choice

On the 28 May 2024 – just last year – 54 year old Maria Nugara was brutally killed by her husband who she was planning to divorce. Her son 29 year old Guiseppe Morreale stepped in to try and save her and was also killed. Husband and stepfather Calogera Ricotta was arrested immediately afterwards, was found guilty of their murders just a few days ago, and is now serving a life sentence for their murders. 

This is the story of Maria Nugara and her son Giuseppe Morreale.

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Ugley man found guilty of murdering wife and stepson - BBC News

Wife wanted divorce before her killing, court hears - BBC News

Ugley deaths: Mother and son who died at home had 'very close bond' | ITV News Anglia

Essex family pay tribute to mum and brother who died in village | Saffron Walden Reporter

Builder who slit the throats of his 'kind-hearted' wife and her son who tried to stop his frenzied attack after she served him divorce papers is found guilty of their murders | Daily Mail Online

Ugley: Life sentence for killing mother and son | Essex Police

Teenager tells court how he tried to stop builder husband stabbing mother-of-four repeatedly before he slit her throat when she asked for divorce | Daily Mail Online

Credits 

Hosted and created by Clare Laxton @ladylaxton 

Produced by: Clare Laxton  

Killer in the family podcast (buzzsprout.com)

Music from Pixabay. 

Support the show

Killer in the family podcast is a total labour of love. If you'd like to support me please buy me a coffee or tea!

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/clarelaxton