It had been more than a week since schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman disappeared from Soham, and the nation was gripped by a desperate search. As a reporter, I knocked on the door of Ian Huntley's cottage, hoping he might offer some insight as the local school caretaker. Little did I know, I was about to step into the heart of one of the most horrific child murder cases of this century.
A Fateful Knock on the Door
Within moments, I found myself perched on the sofa in Huntley's living room, a space that would soon be revealed as a crime scene. His fiancée, Maxine Carr – later infamously branded as Britain's most hated woman – was present too. At the time, I had no inkling that I was in the company of what would become known as one of the most evil couples in modern British history.
The Unfolding Horror
The atmosphere in that room was unsettling, though I couldn't pinpoint why. Huntley and Carr appeared cooperative, but looking back, their demeanour now seems chillingly calculated. This encounter occurred just days before the truth emerged, adding a layer of macabre irony to the interaction.
To delve deeper into Sam Greenhill's gripping account of what transpired next, consider signing up for The Crime Desk newsletter. Each week, our dedicated team provides unparalleled insight, expert analysis, and comprehensive reporting on the cases that captivate public attention.
The newsletter is filled with exclusive features, in-depth interviews, and breaking stories that dominate headlines. Delivered directly to your inbox every Wednesday, it's completely free and offers a unique perspective on major criminal investigations.
