Becky Watts' Death: A Family's Tragic Journey
What really happened to Becky Watts? How did her tragic story unfold?
In The Evil Within, Darren Galsworthy recounts the heartbreaking details of Becky Watts' death and its aftermath. You'll learn about the investigation, trial, and the profound impact this tragedy had on Becky's family and community.
Keep reading to discover the chilling facts behind this case and how it changed lives forever.
The Investigation and Trial of Becky Watts' Murder
A Disturbing Fixation
The tragic circumstances surrounding Becky Watts' death were rooted in a disturbing obsession. Nathan Matthews, Becky's stepbrother, harbored a troubling fixation on teenage girls. This unsettling behavior was evident in his conversations with his partner, Shauna Hoare. The couple exchanged messages about kidnapping a young girl, which they disturbingly found amusing. Even more concerning, Nathan had a history of allowing girls as young as twelve to ride in his car – a clear red flag that wasn't taken seriously enough at the time, ultimately contributing to the events leading to Becky Watts' death.
In the lead-up to Becky's death, Nathan seemed to be developing a closer bond with her. However, this was likely a calculated move to gain her trust. The seemingly minor domestic annoyances that Becky experienced were actually part of a sophisticated plan to harm her.
The Tragic Event
The trial of Nathan and Shauna revealed the chilling details of Becky's death. Nathan suffocated the young woman, then dismembered her body. In an attempt to cover his tracks, he falsely implicated an accomplice. Eventually, Nathan led authorities to the location where they discovered Becky's remains.
DNA evidence placed both Nathan and Shauna at the crime scene. Disturbingly, the couple's behavior after the murder was eerily calm – they even ordered Chinese food as if nothing had happened. Nathan tried to disguise his actions, using cleaning products and a saw to make Becky's death appear accidental.
Initially, Nathan's plan was to intimidate Becky and force her to change her behavior. However, this escalated to abduction and ultimately led to her tragic death.
The Verdict
The jury found Matthews guilty of murder, while Hoare was convicted of manslaughter. Nathan received a life sentence with a minimum of 33 years in prison, and Shauna was sentenced to 17 years of incarceration. The brutality of their crime underscored the callousness with which they acted, robbing a young woman of her life just as she was entering adulthood.
A Family's Grief
Becky's death had a profound impact on her family, especially her father, Darren Galsworthy. He was engulfed in deep grief, weighed down by guilt, and driven by a desire for justice. Darren struggled with alcohol addiction and often sought forgiveness from his wife, Anjie.
To cope with his loss, Darren transformed Becky's bedroom into a sanctuary that he believed she would have loved. He found solace in conversing with her memory, all while grappling with intense grief and a strong desire for justice.
During Becky's disappearance, Darren made emotional pleas on the radio for her return. He lost a significant amount of weight and struggled to maintain a sense of normalcy during this harrowing time.
Emotional Turmoil
Darren often found it difficult to control his emotions. When he discovered Nathan and Shauna's involvement in Becky's murder, he was overwhelmed with disgust and anger. Throughout the legal proceedings, Darren had to summon every ounce of self-control to suppress his rage and hatred.
The stress of the situation took a toll on Darren's marriage to Anjie. She was devastated by the betrayal committed by the son she had raised. Anjie struggled with the conflicting emotions of being both the mother of the perpetrator and a grieving parent to Becky.
Community Response
The community's response to Becky's death was overwhelming. There was an unprecedented outpouring of unity and sympathy for her family. The public rallied behind the #FindBecky social media campaign, actively participating in the search for her.
In tribute to Becky, people laid flowers, stuffed animals, and various mementos at her home. Her memorial service saw such a large turnout that roads had to be closed. Many attendees wore tribute T-shirts, standing shoulder to shoulder in a show of solidarity.
The neighborhood's empathy remained steadfast. They proposed creating a charitable organization to offer support and raise awareness to prevent similar future tragedies. To honor Becky's memory, the local community raised money for a commemorative lamppost and planted an apple tree.
Media Attention
Becky's case captured the attention of the entire country, with extensive coverage by news organizations. The widespread reporting of her disappearance and the subsequent search efforts culminated in a discovery that deeply saddened the entire Bristol community.
While the family was unsettled by the relentless media focus, they recognized its crucial role in drawing significant public attention to the search for Becky. The atmosphere surrounding the courthouse was deeply solemn, reflecting the intense media and public interest as the trial unfolded.
Becky's Legacy
In honor of Becky, a charitable foundation was established. The organization's mission, expressed through its motto "United in Support," was to offer crucial support to families dealing with missing relatives. The foundation's purpose expanded to include promoting knowledge and awareness to prevent other families from experiencing a similar tragedy.
The family, supported by the community's kindness and empathy, found solace in their collective actions to preserve Becky's enduring memory. Her story resonated deeply with many, sparking a strong display of solidarity and common human bonds. Through this foundation and the community's ongoing support, Becky's legacy became a cornerstone for positive change amidst an outpouring of grief.