How a seemingly ordinary girl became one of the most evil women ever
A trail of horror
From 1973 onward, the couple’s crimes expanded. They targeted young women, often luring them to their home under the guise of employment as nannies for their children. The assaults escalated to murder, with victims often tortured, sexually assaulted, and dismembered before being buried on the property.
Their own children were also victims. Over the years, all nine children suffered beatings, abuse, and sexual assault. Between 1972 and 1992, hospital records show 31 admissions for injuries, but social services were never alerted.
How the crimes were uncovered
Authorities first became aware of the situation through an anonymous tip after Heather confided in a friend. Investigators found corroborating statements from her siblings, and doctors confirmed a history of abuse.
In the records of the Gloucester police, a long-running family “joke” that a missing daughter was “under the patio”.
Despite this, initial charges against the parents were dropped.
A determined detective, however, kept pushing. A search warrant allowed police to excavate 25 Cromwell Street. Heather’s remains were uncovered, and her father eventually confessed to multiple murders.
She, the mother, was arrested shortly thereafter on April 20, 1994.
Soon, the full, horrifying story made headlines, and two names became forever linked to these atrocities: Rose West and her husband, Fred West, who led double lives as serial killers.
All five of their minor children were taken into protective custody when they were arrested.
Trial and conviction
Before Fred could face trial, he died by suicide on January 1, 1995 — but his wife couldn’t escape her fate.
