Chilling video captures the moment a man entered a police station and confessed to Sussex Police, saying “I killed two people” following the alleged murder of his stepdaughter and her husband.
Derek Martin, aged 67 and residing in Brighton, is facing charges for the deaths of Chloe, 30, and Josh Bashford, 33, at their residence in Newhaven, East Sussex. Brighton Law Courts have been informed that there is no dispute regarding Martin being responsible for the couple’s deaths. However, Martin claims diminished responsibility, citing an “abnormality of mental functioning” during the incident.
The tragic events unfolded after a financial disagreement between Martin and Chloe, who was his former stepdaughter. Martin contended that Chloe owed him money and insisted she pay a portion of the debt, leading to a fatal altercation.
Footage shown in court depicted Martin walking into the police station, where he candidly stated that he had taken the lives of two individuals, identifying them as “Chloe and Joshua Bashford.” Despite admitting to the killings, Martin mentioned suffering from “anxiety and depression” when questioned about his mental health by the officer.
Describing the gruesome events, it was revealed that Martin fatally attacked Chloe with a hammer and a knife before turning his violence towards Josh, ultimately taking both their lives. Martin later cleaned up the crime scene, changed clothes, and collected the couple’s children – who referred to him as “granddad” – from school before surrendering himself at the police station.
During a subsequent police interview, Martin confessed to the murders, attributing his actions to a heated argument over money. He disclosed engaging in criminal activities to alleviate his financial strain, including gambling and burglary.
The trial proceedings are ongoing as the court further examines the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of Chloe and Josh Bashford.
