The tragic Christmas Day murder of Louis Price unfolded from a disturbing narrative of fear and volatile relationships, ultimately culminating in a fatal stabbing initiated by his ex-partner, Kirsty Carless. This harrowing incident, which saw Price lose his life in his own home, highlighted a perilous pattern of domestic violence that had plagued their association.

Friends of Louis Price had long been aware of his profound apprehension regarding Carless, to whom he had confided his deepest fears, expressing a grim premonition that “something bad would happen.” His concerns painted a vivid picture of the deteriorating relationship and the constant threat he felt.

Carless herself was widely known for her disruptive behavior, with disputes frequently spilling into the public domain. Neighbors consistently described her as “disruptive,” “loud,” and perpetually “at the centre of trouble,” underscoring a reputation for volatility that preceded the tragic events.

In the lead-up to the 2024 Christmas period, Louis sought refuge at his parents’ residence, living in a caravan, a clear indicator of the strained circumstances. An incident on November 11 saw Price dial 999 after Carless became aggressive at her home, leading to her arrest and subsequent release on strict bail conditions prohibiting contact or proximity to Louis, conditions she flagrantly disregarded.

The catalyst for the fatal confrontation appeared on Christmas Eve, as Carless, having consumed alcohol, encountered a male friend. It was at approximately 1:45 AM when a female friend sent her a screenshot of Louis’s Tinder profile, an act that seemingly ignited a furious rage within Carless, leading her directly to Price’s home.

Tragedy struck as the woman Louis Price reportedly loved inflicted a fatal wound, thrusting a kitchen knife into his chest. The precision and force of the attack were devastating, severing vital tissues including skin, muscle, rib cartilage, lung tissue, and ultimately his heart, leading to his immediate demise.

Following the attack, Carless fled to her stepfather’s home where she confessed to the horrific act, prompting him to urgently contact emergency services, stating, “she just keeps saying she stabbed him in the chest and he is on the floor dead.” This confession proved a crucial piece of evidence in the subsequent legal proceedings.

The justice system has now rendered its verdict, with the jury at Stafford Crown Court unanimously finding Kirsty Carless guilty of both murder and possession of an offensive weapon. Mr Justice Choudhury emphasized during the trial that the “fatal wound” was inflicted within a mere six seconds, highlighting the swift and brutal nature of the crime. Carless awaits her sentencing, scheduled for Thursday, bringing a degree of closure to this harrowing domestic violence case.