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Father and Son Murdered Over Family Court Dispute
10 Dec
Summary
- Stephen Alderton murdered Gary and Josh Dunmore in March 2023.
- The killings followed a family court hearing regarding Alderton's grandson.
- Alderton received a life sentence, increased to 30 years minimum.
In March 2023, Stephen Alderton committed the targeted murders of father and son Gary and Josh Dunmore. The dual homicide, which occurred within 30 minutes of each other, stemmed from Alderton's "distorted beliefs" about family court proceedings. Josh Dunmore, the former partner of Alderton's daughter, was shot at his home, followed by Gary Dunmore at his residence.
Alderton was swiftly identified as the suspect and apprehended by armed officers on the M5 motorway. During his arrest, he made remarks indicating his intent to take matters into his own hands. An investigation revealed messages where Alderton had compiled a "shortlist of people I intend to murder," highlighting his premeditated actions.
Alderton pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years. This sentence was subsequently increased by the Court of Appeal to a minimum of 30 years. The judge emphasized that Alderton chose to take the law into his own hands, ending the lives of two innocent men.
