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.
Denne historien er fra January 16, 2023-utgaven av New UK.
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Denne historien er fra January 16, 2023-utgaven av New UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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A STICKY SITUATION
Actors Chris Diamantopoulos and Guillaume Cyr bond with Margo Martindale and get beaten up by Jamie Lee Curtis in a riotous new comedy drama series
THIS IS CHRISTMAS ACTUALLY
Love Actually writer and director Richard Curtis gifts the world a new festive film this year
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for peoplepleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
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Amanda Hovanec enlisted her lover and her mother in her cold-blooded plot
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Wellbeing coach Sarah-Jane Clark, from Swindon, shares how she achieved her dream of wearing a size 10 wedding dress after losing 12st
'I am so looking forward to Christmas'
Helen Flanagan shares her plans for the holidays with her new boyfriend Robbie Talbot and her kids
I'm turning the anger into positive energy
His best friend's death has made Gok Wan rethink life
‘I'm careful with who I allow in my inner circle
Actress and presenter Kéllé Bryan on managing fame and fronting a new fashion initiative
'There were rats..it is a real jungle
Marvin Humes on his I'm A Celebrity experience, backing his buddies and the importance of kindness
'It's not going to be sexy Maura on I'm A Celeb'
Model Caprice Bourret tells new about her festive traditions and starring in and producing a Christmas film