Dad murdered with poisoned porridge and favourite tie
New UK|January 16, 2023
When Francis Kelley thought his breakfast tasted odd, he knew exactly who was to blame
GAIL SHORTLAND
Dad murdered with poisoned porridge and favourite tie

As Francis Kelley ate his crunchy, almond-topped porridge, he noticed it had a different taste from usual. After spooning in another mouthful he began to feel light-headed and confused and groggily reached for his mobile. He had a terrible suspicion about what had happened - but could hardly believe it. And as he typed a message, he felt his chest tighten.

It was January 2021 and he was embroiled in a custody battle over his two-year-old daughter with ex-girlfriend Heidi Littlefield.

They were struggling to co-parent amicably and a court hearing was scheduled for the end of the month as Francis had complained that his ex was violating their parenting agreement.

Being a good father was important to Francis, who also had a nine-year-old daughter with another former girlfriend. Littlefield had an older daughter, too, Logan Runyon, now 23.

The couple's relationship had been tumultuous and Littlefield would sometimes complain about her ex to Runyon and her boyfriend, Robert Walker, now 30. Soon, though, Francis was no longer a problem.

On 18 January, the mother of his older daughter contacted the police to say Francis hadn't picked the child up and that she hadn't heard from him for a few days. When officers went to his home in Carmel, Indiana, they found him dead on the sofa.

A post-mortem examination revealed he'd died from asphyxia due to strangulation and had suffered head injuries. Toxicology reports also showed that he had fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, in his system, suggesting Francis had been poisoned, too.

FIGHTING FOR LIFE

When investigators examined his mobile phone, they found he'd messaged Littlefield on 15 January and accused her of tampering with his porridge.

"Did you do something to the oatmeal that was in my fridge?" he'd asked.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 16, 2023 من New UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة January 16, 2023 من New UK.

ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.

المزيد من القصص من NEW UK مشاهدة الكل
TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT
New UK

TAKE CARE OF YOUR GUT

Simple lifestyle and dietary changes can improve digestion, boost immunity and enhance your overall wellbeing

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex
New UK

Mum found murdered daughter in the bathroom of her girl's violent ex

Mirelle Mateus eventually broke away from her abusive relationship, but Aaron Romo wasn't prepared to accept it was over

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'The win changed our lives for the better'
New UK

'The win changed our lives for the better'

While most people would regard a lottery windfall as the best news ever, for others it can lead them on a downward spiral

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Struggling in silence
New UK

Struggling in silence

With many men still finding it hard to talk about their mental health, the Movember charity warns that suicide is on the rise

time-read
2 mins  |
November 18, 2024
"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"
New UK

"I was really suffering — I fainted on set"

MAFS UK's Lacey Martin on her time on the show and her battle with endometriosis

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'
New UK

'My dream show would be I'm A Celebrity'

Bake Off finalist Ruby Bhogal tells us about her \"big fat Indian wedding\" and why she'd be great in the jungle

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life
New UK

'If I have had a laugh, I'm winning at life

This Morning's Josie Gibson tells new about stealing food on I'm A Celeb and who she can't wait to watch this year

time-read
4 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch
New UK

Stacey's 'pact' with Mrs Hinch

Cleaning guru Mrs Hinch's third pregnancy could lead to a 'baby pact' with her good friend Stacey Solomon, a source tells new - and new career opportunities

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
Meghan fears Harry having to exit US
New UK

Meghan fears Harry having to exit US

The Sussexes are worried about incoming president Donald Trump's vow to consider deporting Harry over his visa drama and previous drug use, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 18, 2024
'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'
New UK

'Our son is my harshest restaurant critic'

Chef Jean-Christophe Novelli and his wife Michelle talk about how technology is helping their youngest son

time-read
5 mins  |
November 18, 2024