A DOCUMENTARY focusing on a police investigation into the murder of a woman from a Radnorshire village is to be shown on television.
‘Murdered by My Husband’ shows how a Dyfed-Powys Police investigation led to Chris Kerrell pleading guilty when he appeared he appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court.
He had been due to face trial before changing his plea and accepting responsibility for killing his recently estranged wife Hollie Kerrell on a Sunday in April 2018, at her home in Knucklas, near Knighton.
On November 2 last year jealous Kerrell was sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 25 years.
The programme will be shown the Crime & Investigation channel at 9pm on Monday, November 25 which is White Ribbon Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Detective Superintendent Anthony Griffiths, said: “Hollie’s murder was a tragedy that left three young children without their doting mother. Until her murder, very little was known about her husband’s controlling behaviour. Things got a lot worse when Hollie attempted to end the relationship and tragically resulted in her murder."
Police say they hope the programme will raise awareness of eight warning signs that abusers typically display before killing their partner. Pioneering research by former police officer turned criminologist Dr Jane Monckton-Smith shows the signs that escalate from previous convictions or track record, to abuse to murder.
Det Supt Griffiths said the force had the blessing of Hollie’s family to work with the programme makers: "We have worked closely with Crime + Investigation and Dr Jane Monckton-Smith, with permission from Hollie’s family, to highlight her story in the hope that it helps other women recognise the signs that could lead to homicide.
“Dyfed-Powys Police is now working closely with Dr Monckton-Smith, to embed her eight stages of domestic homicide within the policing response to improve the way we identify and protect victims of domestic abuse at the earliest possible stage.
“What I would really like most is for the public to be able to recognise these stages as it is their intervention or action that could make the real difference. If after watching this programme, someone recognises the signs that can lead to an increased risk of homicide in their own relationship, or that of a friend or family member, then please, do something about it. Whether that is reporting it to the police, or speaking to the person affected about what they are going through or seeking advice and support from various agencies out there such as Hafan Cymru, Women’s Aid or the Live Fear Free Helpline.”
The 8 Stages of Domestic Homicide
1 - Pre-relationship history
The perpetrator probably has a criminal record or allegations from former partners of control, domestic abuse or stalking. Victims are often aware but do not always believe reports.
2 - Early relationship
The relationship escalates quickly with early declarations of love, possessiveness and jealousy
3 - Relationship
The relationship is dominated by coercive control, usually with some of the high risk markers
4 - Trigger/s
An event occurs which threatens the control of the perpetrator - usually separation or its potential. Other triggers may be a physical or mental illness or financial problems.
5 - Escalation
There is an increase in frequency or severity of control tactics, like suicide threats, begging, violence and stalking. These are attempts to reinstate control.
6 - Change in thinking
The perpetrator is not getting back the control they desire so feelings of revenge, injustice or humiliation may drive a decision to resolve issues, through either moving on, taking revenge, or potentially homicide.
7 - Planning
This stage may include buying weapons, seeking opportunities to get the victim alone, stalking and making threats.
8 - Homicide
This may involve extreme violence, suicide, suspicious death, a missing person or multiple victims (including children).
For support and advice:
• Call the abuse and violence helpline Live Fear Free helpline on 0808 8010 800
• Download the free Brightsky app – it’s full of information and has a secret setting to help protect your privacy
• Visit dyfed-powys.police.uk/ClaresLaw to learn about a scheme where you can find out if your current or potential partner has a history of abuse or violence.
• Visit ncdv.org.uk for free legal help, quickly
To report domestic abuse call police on 101. If you’re reporting to police as abuse is happening call 999.