CRIMELAPSE
CRIMELAPSEPODCAST.COM
After ten years of being in an abusive relationship, Natalie Hemming was ready to start a new life. Tragically, before she could leave, her ex, Paul Hemming, killed her in a fit of jealous rage. When they first met in Hemel Hempstead in 2007, he was “kind” to the 21-year-old single mum. Despite the 12-year age gap, their relationship was intense – they started living together soon after meeting and welcomed two children. And although they didn’t marry, she took his surname.
But love quickly turned into violence for the couple, and it wasn’t long before Paul showed his true colours. He became aggressive and controlling with Natalie and the kids, sparked by trivial things like an untidy room or a messy bag.
As the abuse escalated, Natalie tried to get help on several occasions, once telling a domestic violence advisor that Hemming had hit the back of her head, thrown a phone at her, spat at her and said, “I just want to kill you.” By 2016, Natalie had decided to leave Paul for good, having fallen in love with her colleague Simon Dennis – but never got the chance to enjoy the opportunity of starting afresh, as Paul beat her to death and left her body in a woodland ditch.
The brutal killing of Natalie is one of 38 cases covered by hosts Eileen and Charlie on this series, which aims to offer an immersive and emotive look at well-known crimes. Other cases include the death of Canadian schoolgirl Tori Stafford, the murder of Ashley Young, and the racially motivated slaying of Timothy Coggins. Shereen Low ★★★★