Digest

The podcast "Troubled Waters" delves into the perplexing deaths of Carol and Stephen Baxter, a seemingly happy couple found unresponsive in their reclining chairs. Initially, the cause of death was unclear, with no signs of injury or foul play. However, post-mortem blood tests revealed a shocking truth: both Stephen and Carol had died of a fentanyl overdose. The investigation then shifted towards a more sinister scenario, focusing on the couple's relationship with Luke DeWitt, a seemingly harmless IT consultant who had become deeply involved in their lives. Luke had been manipulating Carol for years, creating multiple online personas, including a renowned endocrinologist named Dr. Andrea Bowden, to exert control over her health and isolate her from her family and support network. Luke's elaborate web of lies extended beyond online personas, as he had also stolen items from Carol and fabricated a bone marrow cancer diagnosis to gain sympathy and trust. Through a meticulous analysis of Luke's electronic devices, investigators uncovered a chilling pattern of manipulation and abuse. Luke had been spiking Carol's health tonics with Promethazine, causing her to suffer a slow and agonizing decline. He had also fed her a capsule containing a metal nail, which was later found in her colon. The investigation revealed that Luke had poisoned both Stephen and Carol with fentanyl, likely by slipping the drug into their health tonics. He had also set up a camera in their conservatory and watched them die in real time on his phone. Luke's motive was financial gain, as he stood to inherit Kaz Splash, the couple's struggling business. He was ultimately found guilty of their murders and sentenced to life imprisonment. The podcast highlights the dangers of manipulation and the importance of being aware of the signs of abuse, even from those who appear to be trustworthy.

Outlines

00:00:00

Troubled Waters: A Casefile Presents Podcast

This Chapter introduces the podcast "Troubled Waters" from Casefile Presents, focusing on the mysterious death of Louisa Ewanetus, a young woman found in a creek. The podcast explores the story behind her death, highlighting the work of seasoned private investigator Julia Robsen in uncovering a gripping narrative full of intrigue.

00:01:34

The Mysterious Deaths of Carol and Stephen Baxter

This Chapter introduces Carol and Stephen Baxter, a married couple in their 60s living on Mersey Island. Carol suffered from Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune disorder affecting her thyroid gland. The couple's loved ones grew concerned when they didn't respond to any communication over the weekend of April 8-9, 2023. Their daughter, Ellie Baxter, discovered their unresponsive bodies in their reclining chairs, with blue hands and liquid trickling from Carol's mouth.

Keywords

Q&A

• What was the initial cause of death for Carol and Stephen Baxter?

  The initial investigation revealed no signs of injury or foul play, and the cause of death was initially unclear. However, post-mortem blood tests later revealed that both had died of a fentanyl overdose.

• Who was Luke DeWitt, and what role did he play in the Baxter family's lives?

  Luke DeWitt was a seemingly harmless IT consultant who became deeply involved in the Baxter family's lives. He manipulated Carol Baxter for years, creating multiple online personas, including a fake endocrinologist, to exert control over her health and isolate her from her support network. He ultimately poisoned both Carol and Stephen Baxter with fentanyl, leading to their deaths.

• How did Luke DeWitt manipulate Carol Baxter?

  Luke created multiple online personas, including a fake endocrinologist named Dr. Andrea Bowden, to exert control over Carol's health and isolate her from her family and support network. He used these personas to provide false medical advice and pressure Carol to follow his instructions, ultimately harming her well-being.

• What was Luke DeWitt's motive for killing Carol and Stephen Baxter?

  Luke's motive was financial gain. He stood to inherit Kaz Splash, the Baxter's struggling business, after their deaths. He also seemed to derive sadistic satisfaction from inflicting pain and suffering on Carol.

• What evidence led to Luke DeWitt's arrest and conviction?

  The police found multiple fentanyl patches in Luke's possession, matching those found in Carol's medicine box. They also discovered crushed Fenergan tablets, a metal nail, and a bag of empty pill capsules in his home. A meticulous analysis of Luke's electronic devices revealed a complex web of lies and manipulation, including the creation of multiple online personas and the recording of footage showing Carol and Stephen Baxter dying in their armchairs.

Show Notes