A harrowing new true crime documentary series is preparing to launch, offering a deep and unsettling examination of one of Britain's most tragic domestic violence cases. The programme meticulously investigates the brutal May 2021 murders of a young mother and her nine-year-old son, a case that shocked the nation and exposed critical failures in multi-agency protection.
Skegness Psycho: A 28-Mile March to Murder
The series, titled Skegness Psycho: 28 Miles to Murder, premieres exclusively on the Crime+Investigation channel. It reconstructs the chilling events that led to the deaths of 26-year-old Bethany Vincent and her son Darren, affectionately known as DJ. The documentary guides viewers through the perpetrator's calculated and horrific actions, based on a journey that began in a homeless hostel.
The Tragic Night in Louth
In May 2021, Daniel Boulton embarked on a 28-mile trek on foot from Skegness to the town of Louth in Lincolnshire. He targeted the home of his ex-girlfriend, Bethany Vincent, where he lurked outside for hours before forcing entry. Once inside, he carried out a frenzied and fatal attack, stabbing Bethany nine times before moving to young DJ's bedroom, where he inflicted fourteen stab wounds on the child.
The programme's synopsis details this grim pilgrimage, stating Boulton left his hostel just before midnight to march to the residence Bethany shared with her two young sons. Through poignant interviews, Bethany's family recount how she entered a relationship with Boulton completely unaware of his violent and criminal history.
Systemic Failures and Missed Warnings
A central and devastating revelation in the documentary, highlighted by retired homicide detective Russell Wate, concerns the catastrophic breakdown in communication between authorities. His investigation uncovered that parole officers, police, health services, and other agencies were all aware of Boulton's dangerous past and his escalating, deteriorating behaviour.
Despite this knowledge, critical failures in multi-agency communication and risk management meant they were ultimately powerless to protect Bethany and her family. This tragic lapse allowed a known threat to execute his deadly plan.
A Pattern of Control and Hatred
The series delves into the toxic dynamics of Boulton's relationship with Bethany. It reveals he exhibited intensely controlling and manipulative behaviour, coupled with an irrational hatred directed specifically at her autistic son, DJ. Boulton bizarrely held the young boy responsible for problems in the relationship, claiming DJ "picked on him."
In the lead-up to the murders, Boulton—who was already subject to two restraining orders—bombarded Bethany with approximately 900 messages, many containing explicit threats. The night before the attack, he sent a particularly sinister message stating "nightmare on Holme Street," foreshadowing the horror to come.
Capture, Trial, and Sentencing
After fleeing the murder scene, Boulton attacked an off-duty police officer who tried to apprehend him. He was eventually captured on farmland near Louth 24 hours later. During his trial at Lincoln Crown Court in February 2022, Boulton pleaded guilty to manslaughter but contested the murder charges. His defence argued he suffered from a dissocial personality disorder that impaired his self-control.
The jury rejected this argument and found him guilty of murder. Sentencing him to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years, Mr Justice Pepperall was unequivocal in his judgement. The judge stated he was sure Boulton targeted DJ because of his hatred and was motivated by the boy's autism, declaring Boulton a "violent and very dangerous man" who presented an ongoing risk.
"You killed with ruthless efficiency very soon after breaking into the house," Justice Pepperall said. "You acted calmly, callously and efficiently ... you intended to kill, you knew precisely what you were doing."
A History of Violence and Mental Health Contact
The documentary also traces Boulton's background, noting he had relocated to Lincolnshire from Derbyshire in early 2019, shortly after being convicted for domestic violence against a previous partner. He possessed an extensive record of contact with mental health services and had been referred to a community mental health team by his GP in January 2020, maintaining appointments in the months that followed.
Through exclusive interviews with Bethany's mother, father, and sister, alongside revelations from detective Russell Wate and prosecuting barrister Katherine Goddard KC, the series pieces together this profoundly tragic story. Bethany's mother, Caroline, who has spoken publicly about her daughter's death, features prominently in the programme.
Skegness Psycho: 28 Miles to Murder premieres on Monday, February 16, offering a sobering look at domestic violence, systemic failure, and an unimaginable loss.
