Mersea: Luke D'Wit denies murdering Stephen and Carol Baxter

Stephen and Carol Baxter, who were in their sixties, were found unresponsive by a family member in their home in Victory Road, West Mersea, on April 9.

Paramedics were called to the address alongside the police but the couple were declared dead in their home.

Their deaths were initially treated as unexpected but not suspicious before three people were arrested on suspicion of murdering them.

Investigation - forensic officers probe the property in West Mersea (Image: Essex Police)

Luke D’Wit, 33, of Churchfields, West Mersea, was subsequently charged with murder.

He appeared via video link at Chelmsford Crown Court this morning (Monday).

He is accused of two offences of murder, with the court hearing they allegedly took place between April 6 and April 10.

D’Wit, who was in a wheelchair during the hearing, was also charged with being in possession of Class A drug fentanyl on July 6.

The defendant is also accused of stealing jewellery belonging to Mrs Baxter on the same date.

He denied all the charges during the hearing this morning and will face a four week-long trial from February 12 next year.

A second man and a woman were also arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the deaths of the married couple, who founded shower mat company Cazsplash.

They were held by the police to give “comprehensive accounts” of their alleged involvement before being bailed under investigation.

Custody - Luke D'Wit is being held at Chelmsford prison

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Broomfield Hospital which gave a provisional cause of death for Mrs Baxter, 64, as combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia.

The provisional cause of death for Mr Baxter, 61, was delivered as cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication.

Judge Christopher Morgan remanded D’Wit at Chelmsford prison.

He warned the defendant about the importance of attending his trial, adding: “Please be in attendance”.