The inquests heard how Lewis-Ranwell had been detained in psychiatric units

A man who killed three elderly people in their homes had a documented history of cannabis-induced psychosis and paranoid schizophrenia, an inquest has heard.

Alexander Lewis-Ranwell, now 35, killed Anthony Payne, 80, and 84-year-old twins Roger and Dick Carter in Exeter, Devon, on February 10, 2019. The attacks came just hours after he had been released from custody for a second time.

Three attacks followed two arrests

Mr Payne was attacked with a hammer, while the Carter brothers were killed with a shovel. The victims’ homes were around 1.5 miles apart and the attacks happened within three hours of each other.

Lewis-Ranwell was first arrested on February 8 and released the following day. He was arrested again just hours later, before being released once more ahead of the killings.

The inquests at County Hall in Exeter have heard evidence about his mental health history and treatment before the attacks.

Psychiatric records detailed disturbing behaviour

Lewis-Ranwell had been detained in psychiatric units from June to September 2016 and again from August to November 2017.

Medical records from his first admission recorded a diagnosis of “drug-induced psychosis or paranoid schizophrenia”, alongside a history of cannabis use. He also believed he was Jesus.

He had been detained after threatening to kill his father and stealing his car. Notes described him dumping horses on his father’s land, pulling down fences and making threats involving the Kray twins.

The records also said he threw a hot drink and crockery at his father.

Inpatients were reportedly held hostage

The inquests heard Lewis-Ranwell later set fire to a bin in his psychiatric room and held fellow patients “hostage” in a lounge area.

The court was also told on Tuesday that, in the hours before the killings, he had suffered delusions involving paedophiles and kidnappers.

The evidence is being heard as the inquests examine Lewis-Ranwell’s history, treatment and the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the three pensioners.

Man who killed pensioners 'had history of cannabis-induced psychosis'

Pity he couldn't have a couple of beers like normal people !

5 minutes ago, Jim Blue said:

Pity he couldn't have a couple of beers like normal people !

More get killed by drunk drivers unfortunately.

Maybe he was just a psychotic, paranoid schizophrenic who happened to smoke puff?

5 minutes ago, connda said:

Maybe he was just a psychotic, paranoid schizophrenic who happened to smoke puff?

Precisely. That or God spoke to him and told him to puff puff pass.