The Murder of Sian Blake and Her Children by Arthur Simpson-Kent

Former EastEnders actress Sian Blake, aged 43, was murdered by her partner, Arthur Simpson-Kent, along with their two children.

As Christmas approached, Sian, a mother of two, received the devastating news of a terminal illness. Diagnosed with motor neurone disease in December 2015, she had first experienced symptoms two years prior. This diagnosis marked the beginning of an unimaginable tragedy. After receiving her diagnosis, Sian, who had left acting to work as a sign language interpreter and voiceover artist, visited her mother in East London. She asked if she and her sons could move back in, considering selling her home to fund her care and escape her relationship with Arthur Simpson-Kent. Sian planned to leave Arthur, but upon returning home, events took a horrific turn. Arthur discovered her plans to end their relationship and take their sons, Zachary, eight, and Amon, four, with her.

In the kitchen, Arthur seized a "small axe" while Sian was looking at the floor. He struck her head repeatedly, ending her life. Her weakened condition made her defenseless. Arthur then used the same axe to murder the two young boys. Evidence revealed that Arthur killed each child with repeated blows and by cutting and stabbing them. Despite claiming to have "snapped," his actions were systematic and premeditated. He wrapped the bodies in plastic and buried them in makeshift graves in the garden. Arthur then cleaned the house to eliminate traces of his violence, even painting the property to mask bloodstains.

go to Ghana or die. He booked transport to Glasgow, then traveled via Amsterdam to Ghana. In Accra, he was seen partying during New Year's Eve celebrations. When recognized, he attempted to silence witnesses with bribes. Authorities apprehended him on January 9.

Once extradited to Britain, Arthur admitted guilt to all three murder charges. He chillingly recounted the murders, describing how he grabbed the axe and attacked Sian. He received a whole life order. Sian's mother expressed her enduring pain, calling him an "evil monster" and stating the family would suffer for the rest of their lives.