In a shocking case that has stunned the UK, a British mother is accused of killing her two young children and stabbing her husband in a desperate attempt to stop him from gaining custody. The trial-of-facts hearing at Nottingham Crown Court has revealed chilling details of the incident, which took place in June 2023.
The Fatal Day
Prosecutors say 50-year-old Veronique John fatally stabbed her son, Ethan John, 11, more than 20 times, and caused fatal brain injuries to her daughter, Elizabeth John, aged 7. The attack reportedly happened at the family’s home before she drove to a nearby car wash to stab her husband, Nathan John, in the stomach. Nathan survived the attack. After the assaults, she returned home and called emergency services.
Charges and Mental Fitness
John has been charged with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and an alternative charge of wounding. However, she has been ruled unfit to plead due to her mental health condition and is instead facing a trial of facts. This process allows the jury to decide whether she committed the acts without determining legal guilt.
Events Leading Up to the Killings
According to prosecutors, the incident was not a sudden outburst. In the days before the killings, John reportedly showed signs of increasing distress and tension. On the morning of the attack, she allegedly searched online for, “Can a foreigner be charged with murder in the UK?” The prosecution believes her fear of losing custody of her children played a key role in her actions.
Chilling Statements to Police
After her arrest, John allegedly told officers she had been thinking for a long time about killing herself and her children. She reportedly said, “I did it because I love my children – to protect the children,” and asked for the death penalty. Police officers also recall her saying, “If you have a gun, shoot me. I am not a monster – he was going to take them from me.”
Background and Relationship Tensions
Originally from St. Vincent in the Caribbean, John had been in a troubled relationship with Nathan John. Prosecutors claim that one ongoing source of conflict was her opposition to her husband having an internet-enabled phone. These tensions reportedly built up over time, contributing to the tragedy.
Trial Proceedings
John is currently being held in a secure hospital and was not present in court to hear the opening statements. Judge Mr. Justice Choudhury reminded the jury to focus only on the evidence presented and to remain objective despite the deeply emotional nature of the case.
Cases like this highlight the devastating impact of family disputes, mental health struggles, and relationship breakdowns. As the trial continues, the court’s role will be to determine the facts of what happened that day, while the community reflects on the importance of early intervention in situations of domestic tension and psychological distress.
