A MAN has been charged with murder after a millionaire couple was found dead in their armchairs by their horrified daughter.

       The bodies of Stephen Baxter, 61, and his wife Carol, 64, were discovered in their home in West Mersea, Essex, on April 9.

       2

       Stephen and Carol Baxter were found dead at home in April Credit: East Anglia News Service 2

       A man has now been charged with their murder after it was found they had ingested deadly fentanyl Credit: East Anglia News Service

       Paramedics raced to the property but tragically the "loving" couple, who were joint directors of bath and shower mat firm Cazsplash, could not be saved.

       Tragically it was their daughter Ellie Baxter who found the couple, who described the horror moment as "awful".

       A spokesman for Essex Police said the deaths were initially treated as unexpected but not suspicious.

       But the force this week said it had launched a murder probe as the couple were found to have ingested deadly fentanyl.

       Read more on UK news

       BEAST CAGED Elle's emotional family slam killer gunman as he's jailed for at least 48 years

       SHOCKING CASE Case of girl, 14, feared to have been murdered & served in kebabs re-opened

       Two men and a woman were arrested while police worked to gain "comprehensive accounts", and one man has now been charged.

       Luke D’Wit, 33, of Churchfields, West Mersea, Colchester, with two counts of murder, one count of possession of a Class A drug, and one count of theft.

       One man and woman have been released on bail while police continue to probe the couple's deaths.

       Detective Inspector Lydia George, who is leading our investigation, said: “This is a significant development in our investigation as we piece together the circumstances around the deaths of Carol and Stephen.

       Most read in UK News

       PRAT IN THE HAT Beer-swilling union boss behind flight misery for millions of holidaymakers

       FOOTIE CURSE 120 footie aces hooked on drugs or gambling as addiction 'becomes Prem curse'

       PAY UP Charles will have to PAY to stay at his Welsh holiday home - and Wills is to blame

       WALLACE QUITS Ben Wallace reveals he's quitting as Defence Sec & warns of 'dangerous' world

       “I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to speak to us throughout this complex investigation.”

       Daughter Ellie told MailOnline in April: "It was absolutely awful to see. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

       "But what I keep going back to is they were sitting there together and were peaceful. There were no signs of a struggle or any pain."

       She went on: "They were very loving. Family always came first. They made sure that we always had what we needed, and then some.

       "They were extremely loved by many people. They worked hard for everything they had. Their absence will make a big impact on many people in many places."

       Inquests into the couple's deaths were opened individually on Thursday at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford.

       And it was found the pair had the powerful synthetic opioid fentanyl in their systems.

       A post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death for Stephen as "combined fentanyl and promethazine toxicity with terminal bronchopneumonia".

       It was absolutely awful to see. I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

       Ellie Baxterdaughter

       The provisional cause of death for the dad was delivered as cardiomegaly and alcoholic liver disease with fentanyl intoxication.

       Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is similar to morphine but up to 100 times more potent.

       It is a prescription drug that is also made and used illegally - often as a substitute for heroin.

       Area Coroner Sean Horstead said: "On the basis of the information I am satisfied that this requires a full inquest.

       "At the written request of Essex Police, I will suspend the coronial investigation for four months.

       "That will run until Monday, November 6, 2023, no doubt there will be communication from Essex Police from the expiry of that date.

       "I offer my sincere condolences to the friends and family of [the Baxters] during this very difficult time for them."

       The couple founded Cazsplash, which sells corner and curved shower mats, in 2012.

       Read More on The Sun

       jackpot! I bought a locked suitcase from an estate sale - I was stunned by the contents

       SUMMER SAVINGS Exact time to shop in summer sales in stores like Primark for the best deals

       Carol had run the business since its inception, having also worked in adult education, while Stephen worked for a real estate firm.

       The duo were also both keen members of West Mersea Yacht Club, in Coast Road, which flew its flag at half mast following their deaths as a mark of respect.