Killer Took Victims' Kids to McDonald's After Murders
In a case that chills the soul, Derek Martin, 67, was found guilty of a double murder that unfolded with a disturbing blend of violence and eerie normalcy. On June 9, 2023, Martin killed his former stepdaughter, Chloe Bashford, 30, and her husband, Josh Bashford, 33, in their home in Newhaven, East Sussex. What followed is a haunting contrast: after committing these brutal acts, Martin calmly collected the couple's four children from school and took them out for fast food, as if nothing had happened.
The Shocking Crime And Its Trigger
The violence reportedly erupted over a money-related argument, a seemingly mundane dispute that escalated into a horrific tragedy. According to Sussex Police, Martin was at the Bashford home cleaning a window when he "just flipped" and an argument with Chloe turned deadly, as reported by PEOPLE. He struck her on the head with a hammer and then stabbed her repeatedly with a knife from the kitchen, inflicting fatal injuries. Shortly after, Josh arrived home and was met by Martin wielding the knife. Josh tried to escape upstairs but was chased, stabbed multiple times, and ultimately strangled with a belt or a rope.
The Eerie Normalcy Of The Aftermath
What makes this case particularly unsettling is what Martin did immediately after the murders. He changed his clothes, then went to pick up the couple's four children from school. According to Sussex Police, instead of fleeing or showing signs of panic, Martin took the children to a Costa Coffee shop and then to McDonald's in Newhaven for a meal. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him carrying on with this routine as if it were any other day.
Imagine the scene: a man who had just committed a double homicide calmly ordering food and drinks with the children whose parents he had just killed. This stark contrast between the brutal act and the mundane outing creates a haunting image that grips your attention and challenges your understanding of human behavior.
Martin's actions suggest a disturbing attempt to maintain a facade of normalcy, perhaps to shield the children from the immediate trauma or to cover up his crime. Prosecutors noted that he wanted to "look after" the children, as reported by PEOPLE, a twisted justification that adds another layer of complexity to the case.
Preventing Discovery And Communication Before Surrender
Adding to the calculated nature of Martin's actions, he removed the door handles from the Bashford family home to prevent the children from discovering the bodies of their parents if they returned home unexpectedly, as reported by the Sussex Express. This grim detail highlights the extent to which Martin tried to control the aftermath of his crime.
Furthermore, according to the Sussex Express, Martin reportedly messaged a family member, indicating his intention to surrender to the police and asked that the children not be taken home, showing a disturbing awareness and planning in the wake of the murders.
The Timeline And Locations That Deepen The Horror
The timeline of events adds to the eerie atmosphere. The murders occurred around midday, with Martin attacking Chloe at approximately 12:15 p.m. Josh arrived home about five minutes later, only to be attacked himself. After the killings, Martin's routine continued seamlessly: he discarded Chloe's mobile phone in the bushes near a Sainsbury's supermarket, took the children to familiar local spots, and eventually drove them to the home of his former wife — Chloe's mother — in Brighton, as reported by PEOPLE.
Following this, Martin reportedly bought beers from a shop in Whitehawk and drank on the seafront before surrendering himself at the Brighton police station. His calm demeanor during these actions, especially the decision to hand himself in, paints a picture of a man who was disturbingly composed despite the gravity of his crimes.
According to the Sussex Police, while in custody, Martin passed a handwritten note to a prison guard revealing the location of Chloe's discarded mobile phone, which became vital evidence in the trial.
The Family's Pain And The Community's Response
The aftermath has been devastating for the family. Chloe's mother described Martin as having severe mood swings, likening him to a "Jekyll and Hyde" figure, which perhaps foreshadowed the violent outburst, as reported by PEOPLE. She told the BBC, "He had a temper, but I never thought he'd be capable of doing anything like this. I would never have let him near Chloe and Josh if I thought it was like this."
Chloe's father expressed profound grief and disbelief that his grandchildren "lost both their parents over this idiot that's called himself grandad for some reason," as reported by PEOPLE.
The community and law enforcement have also been deeply affected. Sussex Police praised the courage of the children and families involved and acknowledged the painstaking work that went into bringing Martin to justice. The trial, which lasted three weeks, included testimony from five psychiatrists who provided differing opinions on Martin's claim of "diminished responsibility" due to a "depressive disorder," as reported by the Sussex Express. Ultimately, the jury rejected this defense and convicted him of murder.
What This Case Teaches Us
This tragic story is a stark reminder of how appearances can deceive. The juxtaposition of brutal violence with the ordinary act of taking children to McDonald's forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the complexities of mental health and criminal behavior.
It also highlights the importance of vigilance in recognizing warning signs in those around us. While Martin's claim of diminished responsibility was ultimately rejected, the case underscores the challenges in assessing and addressing mental health issues before they escalate into violence.
For you, the reader, this case may evoke a mix of horror and curiosity — a desire to understand how such a chilling sequence of events could unfold in a seemingly ordinary setting. It's a reminder that behind every headline lies a complex human story, often marked by contradictions and profound tragedy.
As the community continues to heal, the hope is that the children, despite their unimaginable loss, will find support and strength to move forward. Meanwhile, the case of Derek Martin stands as a haunting example of betrayal, violence, and the eerie calm that can follow chaos.
If you ever find yourself grappling with the darker sides of human behavior, remember this story — a chilling testament to the unpredictable and sometimes unfathomable nature of crime and punishment.
References: Chilling Video Shows Man Confessing to Killing Ex-Stepdaughter and Husband, Taking Kids to McDonald's | VIDEO: Man found guilty of double murder | Derek Martin: Man found guilty of murdering young Newhaven couple
