All we know About Fred and Rose West: Death Toll, Children, Trial Controversies, and Where they are now
Fred and Rose West are among Britain’s most infamous criminal couples, responsible for a series of horrific murders spanning over two decades. Their dark story resurfaced recently with the Netflix documentary Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story, reigniting public interest in their crimes, their family, and their legacy. Here’s a detailed look at what we know about their death toll, children, legal outcomes, and more.
How many People did Fred and Rose West kill?
Fred and Rose West are believed to have murdered at least 12 young women and girls between 1967 and 1987, though the actual number may be higher. Nine bodies were discovered at their notorious home, 25 Cromwell Street, dubbed the “House of Horrors,” while three others were found elsewhere. Police continued investigating additional potential victims, including Mary Bastholm.
The confirmed victims include (via BBC):
- Ann McFall – Fred’s nanny and lover, pregnant at the time she vanished in 1967. Her remains were found near Kempley.
- Catherine ‘Rena’ Costello – Fred’s first wife and mother of two children, missing since 1971.
- Charmaine West – Fred’s stepdaughter, murdered by Rose in 1971 while Fred was imprisoned.
- Lynda Gough – Friend and seamstress, disappeared in 1973; remains found at Cromwell Street.
- Carole Ann Cooper – Vanished in 1973; body buried in the cellar.
- Lucy Partington – A 21-year-old university student, vanished in 1973.
- Therese Siegenthaler – Swiss student, disappeared hitchhiking in 1974.
- Shirley Hubbard – The youngest victim at 15, vanished in 1974.
- Juanita Mott – Went missing in 1975.
- Shirley Anne Robinson – Fred’s lover, eight months pregnant when she disappeared in 1978.
- Alison Chambers – 16-year-old from a children’s home, vanished in 1979.
- Heather West – Fred and Rose’s daughter, murdered in 1987; believed to be their final known victim.
What Happened to Fred and Rose West?
Fred and Rose West were arrested in 1994 after police investigated the disappearance of their daughter Heather. On February 23, 1994, a search warrant was issued to excavate their garden, leading to the discovery of multiple bodies. Fred was arrested on February 24, followed by Rose on February 25.
Fred West was charged with 12 murders but died by suicide in prison in 1995, before he could stand trial. Rose West was convicted of 10 murders in November 1995 and is currently serving a life sentence without parole (via Manchester Evening News UK).
How many Children did Fred & Rose West have?
Fred and Rose West married in 1972 and had 5 children together. Fred also had 2 children from his previous marriage to Rena Costello, and Rose had 3 other children, fathered by other men. Their five children are:
- Charmaine (who died when she was eight years old)
- Anna Marie
- Heather Ann (who died when she was 16)
- Stephen
- Mae
Their relationship was marked by violence and abuse, especially toward their children. Rose initially showed affection toward Fred’s children from his previous marriage but grew abusive when they were left in her care during Fred’s imprisonment.
Fred and Rose West Children – Where are they now?
Seven of Fred and Rose’s children are reported alive as of May 2025 (via Distractify), though they live quietly and apart from one another. The trauma of their childhood has left deep scars, and many chose to stay out of the public eye. Here's what we know of them:
- Anna Marie: She was Fred’s biological daughter from his first marriage and played a key role in Rose’s conviction by testifying against her, but now lives a private life, married with children.
- Heather West: their daughter, was murdered by her parents and buried under their garden.
- Mae West: She wrote a memoir, Love as Always, Mum xxx, describing her traumatic upbringing.
- Stephen West: Born in 1983, he lives in Gloucester with his family.
- Charmaine West: Fred's daughter from his first marriage, she was 8-years-old when she disappeared in June 1971. Rose had killed and buried her beneath the kitchen floor.
- Barry: Died of an overdose in 2020 at age 40
- Louise: Was placed in foster care in 1992 after she confided about being assaulted to a close friend, who reported it to the police.
Other children from Rose’s time as a sex worker were fostered with new identities for safety. Tragically, one son, Barry West, died by suicide in 2020.
The siblings reportedly do not maintain contact, as it is too painful, with Anne Marie’s husband Philip saying, “Even though some of them live near each other, they don’t speak or see each other because that only opens up old wounds for them.” (via Distractify)
Why did Fred West need an Appropriate Adult?
Due to learning difficulties and his inability to read or write, Fred West required an appropriate adult during police questioning to ensure he understood the legal process. Janet Leach, a social work trainee, was brought in by Gloucestershire police to fulfill this role.
During their sessions, Fred confessed to his daughter’s murder and led police to buried bodies. Janet later recalled the disturbing experience, saying, “He just kept looking at me and winking… And he said, ‘Didn’t you see the bone sticking out?… It’s just by the back door.’” (via Dexerto)
What was the Fred West Appropriate Adult Controversy?
Janet Leach was to be a key witness at Rose West’s trial. However, her credibility was damaged when it emerged she had sold her story to the Daily Mirror for up to £100,000, breaking confidentiality rules.
Fred initially minimized Rose’s involvement but later accused her of being fully complicit. Before the trial could fully proceed, Fred died by suicide in 1995, forcing the prosecution to continue without his testimony. Despite the controversy, Rose West was convicted of 10 murders and remains imprisoned at age 71.
Fred and Rose West’s story remains a chilling chapter in criminal history. Their surviving children continue to live in the shadow of their parents’ crimes, while the public continues to seek answers and understanding through documentaries and ongoing investigations.
Fred and Rose West: A British Horror Story is now streaming on Netflix.
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