Lincolnshire Woman Burns Fiancé Alive in Money-Fueled Murder Plot
When Julie Dixon dialed 999 with a story of masked intruders setting her fiancé's workshop ablaze, authorities initially believed her. But her web of lies began to unravel, revealing a crime as horrifying as it was calculated. What was Julie hiding, and why did she so brutally kill the man she was set to marry?
Who Was David Twigg?
David Twigg, 46, was a skilled joiner and a respected member of his community in Lincolnshire, England. He was described as kind, hardworking, and honorable. Outwardly, his life with Julie appeared stable and loving, but hidden financial troubles loomed over his business. Unknown to David, the accounts side of his workshop was in chaos, with mounting debts and an arrest warrant issued over unpaid taxes. Julie, who managed the finances, concealed this from him — leading to devastating consequences.
A Fiery Scene and a Web of Lies
On March 13, 2011, Julie locked David in a small cupboard inside his workshop, doused it in petrol and set the building ablaze. In a calculated move, she made a frantic 999 call, claiming masked intruders had raided the workshop and started the fire. Her emotional performance during the call — complete with a detailed description of the event and the supposed attackers — initially convinced authorities. Fire crews later discovered David in a kneeling position, having died from smoke inhalation.
For three months, Julie doubled down on her lies, portraying herself as a grieving fiancée. She gave tearful interviews and visited David's parents, denying any inside knowledge of the crime. She even wrote them a letter claiming she and David had been planning to announce their engagement.
The Grieving Fiancée's Story Begins to Fall Apart
Julie's carefully constructed narrative began to crumble as investigators dug deeper. Police found no evidence of the masked intruders she described. CCTV footage showed Julie purchasing petrol the day before the fire, which she claimed was for a lawn mower. Her internet history also revealed searches for ways to kill someone without leaving forensic evidence.
Under mounting pressure, Julie's story shifted multiple times. She first claimed a suicide pact, then later described David's death as an assisted suicide. However, investigators found no evidence to suggest David had been suicidal. Instead, the financial ruin Julie had hidden from him appeared to be her motive.
Justice Served
Julie was arrested in June 2011 and subsequently stood trial for David's murder. Her trial exposed the meticulous planning behind the crime, as well as her repeated attempts to mislead investigators. On only the second day of the proceedings, she changed her plea to guilty.
On Jan. 4, 2012, Julie Dixon was sentenced to life in prison, with a minimum term of 23 years. Judge Michael Heath condemned her actions, describing them as "evil" and highlighting the significant premeditation involved, according to the Daily Mail. He remarked on her Oscar-worthy performance during the 999 call, a haunting reminder of her capacity for deception.
The Pain Left Behind
David's parents were devastated by the loss of their only son. In a statement, they expressed heartbreak over the betrayal by someone they had treated as a daughter. Keith, David's best friend, spoke of the lasting trauma caused by the horrific nature of his death, saying, "The way David died, it will haunt me for the rest of my life ... nobody deserves to die like that," according to Daily Mail.
Even at David's funeral, Julie's behavior raised suspicions among friends. Her choice of a song, "Red Light Spells Danger" by Billy Ocean, referenced danger and burning, which struck many as inappropriate and unsettling. Conversations among attendees quickly turned to the possibility of her involvement, which were further fueled by her lively demeanor at the wake.
The Lasting Shadow of Julie Dixon's Deception
Julie Dixon's crime was not just a murder — it was a betrayal of trust and love. Her actions left a permanent scar on those who knew David and shattered the illusion of their seemingly happy relationship. For David's loved ones, the pain of his loss endures, compounded by the knowledge that his life was taken by someone he trusted most.
References: How twisted killer Julie Dixon went to visit her fiancé's parents hours after locking him in a cupboard and setting it on fire — and gave an 'Oscar worthy performance' in bid to escape justice | Who is Julie Dixon and what happened to her? Inside the twisted true story of a woman who lied about killing her fiancé by burning him alive | Julie Dixon jailed for David Twigg murder
