Grandfather Confesses to Killing Stepdaughter and Son-in-Law in Fit of Rage

In June 2023, Derek Martin, a 67-year-old man, brutally murdered his former stepdaughter Chloe and her husband Josh in their home in Newhaven, East Sussex, England. Less than seven hours after the killings, Martin walked into a police station and confessed to the crimes.

During his ongoing trial, which began in October 2025, Martin pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied charges of murder, arguing he was not in his right mind at the time. According to the prosecution, Martin attacked Chloe with a hammer and then repeatedly stabbed her, causing severe injuries from which she died. He then confronted Josh, who had just arrived home, and stabbed and strangled him to death.

Martin, who was viewed as a grandfather figure by Chloe and Josh's four young children, claimed he "just lost it" before the attack. He told police he felt he was constantly being "used" and was in significant debt, which he said was a major factor in his actions. Chloe had reportedly been paying back a loan of around $200 to Martin at the time of her death.

The case has been delayed multiple times, causing further distress for the victims' family, who are struggling to move on with their lives. The trial is expected to continue for approximately three more weeks as the court determines Martin's state of mind at the time of the killings.