What happened to Heather West? Details about World's Most Notorious Killer subject explored

World's Most Notorious Killers, a new true crime series, premiered on Peacock on September 17, 2024. The first episode, The West Murders, covers the horrific crimes of Fred and Rose West, focusing on their infamous home at 25 Cromwell Street.

Heather West, their daughter, was one of their victims. Born in 1970, she endured escalating physical and psychological abuse as she grew older, living in a violent, abusive environment created by her parents. The episode details the investigation that led to Fred and Rose West's arrests.

Heather's life ended tragically in June 1987 at the age of 16. Fred West confessed to murdering his daughter Heather after a family argument. He then dismembered her body and buried it in their garden at Cromwell Street. This was just one of many brutal killings committed by Fred and Rose West, who targeted young women, including their own children.

Heather's remains were discovered during a police search in February 1994, which began after growing suspicions about her disappearance. This discovery confirmed fears about her fate and further implicated her parents in multiple murders.

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What did Fred and Rose West do to their daughter Heather West?

Noir (Image sourced from Unsplash)

Heather West endured a deeply troubled life under her parents' roof. Beyond the tragic end she met at the age of 16 she was subject to continuous physical and psychological abuse. Reports indicate that both Fred and Rose imposed stringent rules employing violent enforcement methods that instilled fear and submission in their children.

Heather's disappearance in 1987 was initially unreported to authorities due to the control and isolation exerted over the family. It wasn't until much later that her remains were discovered in the garden of their home unveiling the grim reality of her existence and death.

Fred and Rose West were apprehended after a series of investigations that initially began with suspicions of child abuse in their household. The investigation escalated in 1992 when police obtained a search warrant to explore allegations that the Wests were abusing their own children. During this initial investigation one of their daughters hinted at the grim fate of Heather West, their missing daughter, which led to further scrutiny.

In February 1994, police commenced a full search of the Wests’ home at 25 Cromwell Street uncovering multiple human remains. The gruesome discovery led to the arrest of Fred and Rose West.

Forensic evidence linked the couple to the remains of several young women including their daughter Heather confirming suspicions of murder. Fred West was charged with multiple counts of murder, and shortly after his arrest, he confessed to killing his daughter Heather and others although Rose maintained her innocence.

Noir (Image sourced from Unsplash)

The trial for Rose West began in October 1995 after Fred West had taken his own life in January 1995 while awaiting trial. Held at Winchester Crown Court, Rose was tried for 10 murders including that of their daughter Heather West.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented extensive evidence of the couple’s brutal crimes including testimonies from surviving victims and relatives, forensic evidence, and Fred’s own confessions which implicated Rose despite her claims of ignorance.

Rose West was ultimately convicted in November 1995 and sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole with the judge describing her as being just as culpable as her husband for the heinous crimes committed at their residence.

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Catch the first episode of World's Most Notorious Killers, titled The West Murders on Peacock to know more about Heather West.