Until I Kill You is a haunting true-crime drama centered on the survival of Delia Balmer, a nurse who endured horrific attacks by her ex-boyfriend, John Sweeney, a serial killer known as the Scalp Hunter.
This British series on ITV, set to release in the U.S. on BritBox, reveals the chilling details of Balmer’s experiences with Sweeney, a man she once trusted but who eventually became her worst nightmare.
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Since the release of Making a Murderer in 2015, the world has become captivated by true crime stories. People are drawn to the mystery and psychology behind crime cases, curious about what drives individuals to commit horrific acts.
The genre now includes a mix of shows, movies, and podcasts exploring real-life murder cases, with Until I Kill You adding a chilling layer to this ever-expanding genre.
Meet Delia Balmer and John Sweeney
The show introduces us to Delia Balmer, portrayed by Anna Maxwell Martin, and her dangerous ex-boyfriend John Sweeney, played by Shaun Evans. The story is based on Balmer’s own book, Living With a Serial Killer, where she recalls her journey from romance to terror.
Balmer’s Living With a Serial Killer documents the grim reality of her time with Sweeney. She wrote this memoir to share her trauma and shed light on the manipulative tactics of serial killers. Her story is now reaching a wider audience through this gripping adaptation, allowing viewers to witness her resilience.
John Sweeney was born in Kirkdale, Liverpool, in 1956. Trained as a carpenter, he seemed like an ordinary man. However, his life took a dark turn after a series of failed relationships, one of which was with his ex-wife, who reported his violent behavior to the police. This initial warning sign foreshadowed the grim path he would eventually follow.
For Delia Balmer, the relationship with Sweeney started with charm but quickly revealed darker undertones. As their romance progressed, Sweeney’s violent side emerged, shocking Balmer and setting off a terrifying chain of events.
Sweeney’s anger turned physical when he attacked Balmer in her own home, confessing that he had previously killed his ex-girlfriend, Melissa Halstead. The assault was brutal, but Balmer managed to survive and alert the authorities. This moment marked the beginning of her long ordeal.
During his assault on Balmer, Sweeney made a disturbing confession: he had murdered Melissa Halstead, a model from America, in Amsterdam. Halstead’s body had been dismembered and dumped in a canal, leaving authorities baffled for years. This confession exposed the extent of Sweeney’s cold-blooded nature.
Sweeney’s arrest
After the attack, Balmer reported Sweeney to the police, leading to his arrest. However, he was released on bail, a decision that put Balmer’s life in grave danger. This lapse in justice ultimately allowed Sweeney to return and inflict further trauma on her.
In December 1994, Sweeney returned to Balmer’s home and attacked her again, this time with an axe. During this horrifying ordeal, he even cut off her finger. A neighbor’s timely intervention saved her life, but the trauma was immense.
Following the second attack, Sweeney fled, evading capture for nearly six years. In 2001, he was finally apprehended in London, marking the end of his run and the beginning of a lengthy legal battle for justice.
Sweeney’s trial revealed shocking details about his violent past, leading the judge to sentence him to four life sentences. The judge called Sweeney’s actions “cold-blooded,” noting the terrible impact on the victims’ families, whose loved ones’ remains were never fully recovered.
During a search of Sweeney’s London home, police uncovered hundreds of violent artworks and poems, including one called "Scalp Hunter," which described his brutal acts. His art illustrated a disturbing obsession with violence and hinted at other possible crimes.
Authorities believe that Sweeney may have been involved in the disappearances of three other women. While their fates remain unknown, these cases show how deeply unsettling Sweeney’s past is, leaving lingering questions about the extent of his crimes.
Until I Kill You shines a light on Delia Balmer’s courage as she navigates life after unimaginable trauma. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's resilience, capturing the true impact of survival and the power of telling one’s story.
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