In the annals of true crime, few stories have captivated and horrified the public quite like that of Lucy Letby, the former neonatal nurse convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016. Sentenced to 15 whole-life orders in August 2023, Letby’s case has been a whirlwind of forensic drama, statistical debates, and emotional testimonies.

But beyond the courtroom battles and the chilling evidence, one aspect continues to intrigue and perplex: her friends. From childhood companions who remain steadfast in their belief of her innocence to unlikely prison alliances, Letby’s inner circle has become a focal point of fascination.

Why do some of her closest friends still defend her, even in the face of overwhelming convictions? Did colleagues ever suspect her during the height of the investigations? How did she maintain a seemingly normal social life while under police scrutiny? These questions, frequently searched on Google and dissected in YouTube videos, reveal a complex web of loyalty, denial, and human connection. 

As of September 2025, with ongoing inquiries and new documentaries shedding fresh light, the story of Lucy Letby’s friends offers a poignant lens into the human side of one of Britain’s most shocking crimes. This article delves into their roles, statements, and the controversies they’ve sparked, drawing on the latest available information to explore what drives such unwavering support and the doubts that linger.

The Lucy Letby Case: A Brief Overview

To understand the role of Letby’s friends, it’s essential to revisit the case that thrust them into the spotlight. Lucy Letby, born in 1990 in Hereford, England, pursued a career in neonatal nursing, a field she entered with apparent passion. After qualifying, she worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital’s neonatal unit, where a sudden spike in infant deaths and collapses between June 2015 and June 2016 raised alarms. Doctors noted a pattern: many incidents involved air injections, insulin poisoning, or other deliberate harms, often coinciding with Letby’s shifts.

The investigation, codenamed Operation Hummingbird, began in 2017 after consultants flagged Letby as a common denominator. She was removed from clinical duties and reassigned to clerical work, but evidence mounted: handwritten notes confessing “I am evil I did this,” searches for victim families online, and Facebook messages gloating over her involvement in collapses. Letby was arrested three times between 2018 and 2019, charged in 2020, and convicted in 2023 after a 10-month trial at Manchester Crown Court.

The prosecution painted Letby as a calculating killer driven by a need for attention, while her defense argued the deaths were due to substandard care and natural causes. Appeals have been denied, but as of 2025, the Thirlwall Inquiry launched to examine NHS failures continues to probe the case, including how Letby’s social circle interacted with the unfolding scandal. Friends and colleagues provided character references, attended court, and even exchanged messages that later fueled public outrage. 

The case’s emotional toll extended to her support network. Her parents, Susan and John Letby, were fixtures at the trial, often accompanied by a single friend the only one to show public solidarity. This isolation from most peers, contrasted with die-hard loyalty from a few, has sparked endless online debates. Videos like “LOYALTY of Lucy Letby’s ‘Deluded’ FRIENDS” on YouTube, with thousands of views, dissect this dynamic, questioning if it’s denial, manipulation, or genuine belief in a miscarriage of justice.

The Enigma of Loyalty: Why Friends Stand By Her

One of the most searched aspects of the Letby saga on YouTube is the unwavering support from her friends. Titles like “Why did her friends stick by her?” and “Deluded friends who still stand by baby killer Lucy Letby” dominate results, reflecting public incredulity. Psychologists and true crime enthusiasts speculate on reasons: shared history, cognitive dissonance, or Letby’s charismatic facade.

Letby was described in court as “warm and likeable,” traits that likely endeared her to others. Her friends portrayed her as kind, ambitious, and unassuming a far cry from a murderer. In interviews, they’ve emphasized her normalcy: holidays, weddings, and casual chats. A Reddit thread from 2023 asks, “Is it normal for psychopathic killers to have friends put their neck on the line?” with users citing cases like Ted Bundy, where charm masked darkness.

As of 2025, loyalty persists amid growing doubts about the conviction. The ITV documentary “Lucy Letby: Beyond Reasonable Doubt?” features friends arguing the trial was flawed, citing disputed insulin evidence and statistical anomalies. One friend told the BBC Panorama that Letby was a “broken person” now finding hope in appeals. YouTube comments under videos like “she’s innocent” Lucy Letby’s best friends & nurses stand by her” echo this, with viewers debating if friends are “brainwashed” or if there’s “new evidence” vindicating her.

Critics, however, see delusion. A Mirror article from 2024 labels supporters “deluded,” pointing to Letby’s post-arrest behavior, like celebrating a friend’s wedding while on bail. Public fury peaked when friends defended her notes as therapeutic, not confessional. This loyalty isn’t universal; many colleagues distanced themselves but for a core group, it’s a testament to long-forged bonds. As one YouTube analyst notes, “You never truly know someone,” a sentiment fueling endless speculation.

Dawn Howe: Portrait of a Lifelong Friend

At the heart of Letby’s support network is Dawn Howe, her childhood friend from Hereford. Their story, frequently queried on YouTube as “Lucy Letby friend Dawn Howe interview,” spans decades of shared memories. Born just months apart in 1990, Dawn and Letby attended the same schools, including Hereford Cathedral School, where they bonded over adolescence. Dawn recalls summers at the cathedral green, favorite restaurants, and Letby’s early dream of nursing, inspired by her own premature birth complications.

In a 2023 Telegraph interview, Dawn vowed, “I will not believe she is guilty unless she confesses,” a stance she reiterated in the 2025 ITV documentary. She visited their old school for BBC Panorama, reflecting on Letby’s clear path to neonatal care. “Lucy was the kindest person I know,” Dawn said, emphasizing her friend’s empathy. 

Dawn’s loyalty has drawn scrutiny. YouTube videos like “Lucy Letby friend Dawn Howe – ‘I will never believe she is…'” garner views for her emotional pleas, with comments split between sympathy and skepticism. In the documentary, she expressed guilt: “I feel so much guilt for living the life she should be living families, the next chapter.” This stems from parallel lives being derailed; Letby attended Dawn’s wedding, even on bail.

Dawn’s most bombshell claim? Explaining Letby’s notes. She revealed school peer-support training taught them to jot down “darkest thoughts” to process overwhelming phrases like “I am evil” were inner voices externalized, not admissions. “We were told to write it down to get it off our minds,” Dawn explained, challenging prosecution interpretations.

Her support extends practically: visits, letters, and public advocacy. In 2025 interviews, Dawn questioned the verdict’s finality, citing expert doubts on insulin tests pre-term babies often have high readings from antibodies, not poisoning. Critics call it naive, but Dawn sees injustice. As she told ITV, “All her friends stand by her.” Her story humanizes Letby, prompting YouTube queries like “Is Dawn Howe right about the notes?” fueling debates on innocence versus denial.

Other Friends and Colleagues in the Spotlight

Beyond Dawn, Letby’s circle included colleagues and newer friends, whose roles have been dissected in court and media. A married doctor, unnamed but central to the trial, exchanged flirty texts with Letby; prosecutors called him her “boyfriend,” noting his name in her heart-doodled notes. She texted him about collapses, seeking reassurance, hinting at emotional dependence.

Hayley Griffiths, a union representative Letby befriended in the risk and safety office post-2016, became a key figure. 

Their WhatsApp chats, revealed in the Thirlwall Inquiry, showed camaraderie amid isolation. Other nurses provided character references, describing Letby as dedicated. One colleague, in a 2023 ITV interview, recalled her “weird behaviors” and obsessive baby monitoring but dismissed suspicions initially.

The Infamous “Murder Tips” Exchange

A chilling episode emerged in the 2024 Thirlwall Inquiry: Letby’s 2017 WhatsApp banter with Hayley Griffiths about the TV show “How to Get Away with Murder.” Griffiths joked, “I’m learning some good tips.” Letby replied, “I could have given you some tips x.” It escalated: Griffiths said, “I need someone to practice on,” and Letby responded, “I can think of two people you could practice on and will help you cover it up x.”

Revealed in November 2024, this exchange a year before Letby’s arrest shocked the public. YouTube clips like “Baby Killer Nurse Gave Friend Tips on How to Get Away with Murder” exploded, with millions of views debating tone: dark humor or sinister? Griffiths, remorseful, called it “unprofessional, poor judgment… completely insensitive,” apologizing to victims’ families.

Context: Letby, in clerical limbo, bonded with Griffiths over office drudgery. Another message dubbed Letby a “criminal mastermind” after gifts. Inquiry counsel questioned if it mocked accusations; Griffiths denied, but regret was palpable. This incident, queried as “Lucy Letby murder tips friend,” underscores how Letby’s wit masked deeper issues, leaving friends like Griffiths grappling with hindsight guilt.

Social Life Amid Suspicion: Weddings and Bail

Even on bail, Letby partied. In 2018, she sought permission to attend a best friend’s wedding, where footage shows her laughing and dancing, behaving “like a normal 28-year-old,” per the 2025 ITV documentary. The friend, unnamed, was “so glad” Letby came, highlighting pre-conviction normalcy. YouTube searches like “Lucy Letby wedding video” seek this footage, with discussions on her composure. Critics fume: How could she celebrate amid probes? Supporters say it proves innocence—guilty people wouldn’t risk it. The documentary frames it as evidence of a life unfairly paused, with Dawn Howe noting parallel joys stolen from Letby.

FAQs

What was the nature of Lucy Letby’s relationship with her friends?

Letby maintained close relationships with several individuals, including her childhood friend Dawn Howe and colleague Hayley Griffiths. These relationships were characterized by mutual support and camaraderie. However, the nature of these friendships has been scrutinized in light of the serious charges against Letby.

Did Lucy Letby have any notable interactions with her friends during her trial?

During her trial, Letby’s friends continued to support her publicly. For instance, Dawn Howe reiterated her belief in Letby’s innocence, stating that she would not believe the charges unless Letby confessed. This unwavering support has been a point of contention, with some questioning the extent to which her friends were aware of her actions.

Are there any notable incidents involving Lucy Letby’s friends?

One significant incident involves a conversation between Letby and her colleague Hayley Griffiths in 2017, where Letby allegedly offered “tips” on “how to get away with murder.” This conversation has been highlighted in public inquiries as it occurred before Letby’s arrest, suggesting a possible preoccupation with the concept of murder.

What is the current status of Lucy Letby’s friends?

As of now, Lucy Letby’s friends, including Dawn Howe and Hayley Griffiths, have not faced any legal repercussions. They continue to maintain their support for Letby, though their statements and actions remain under public and legal scrutiny.

Have Lucy Letby’s friends been involved in any public statements or media appearances?

Yes, Lucy Letby’s friends have made public statements and appeared in media outlets. Dawn Howe participated in an interview with BBC’s Panorama, where she discussed her belief in Letby’s innocence. Additionally, Hayley Griffiths’ reported conversation with Letby about “tips” on “how to get away with murder” has been cited in public inquiries.

In Summary

Lucy Letby’s friends have played a highly visible and sometimes controversial role throughout the events surrounding her case. Their public support, ranging from steadfast belief in her innocence to recounting past conversations that have raised questions, has attracted significant media and public attention. While some friends, like Dawn Howe, emphasize loyalty and personal knowledge of Letby’s character, others’ accounts, such as the 2017 discussion about “how to get away with murder,” have complicated public perception.

Overall, the involvement of Letby’s friends highlights the complexities of human relationships amid serious criminal investigations. Their perspectives provide insight into Letby’s personal life but also illustrate the challenges in fully understanding the dynamics of her actions. As legal proceedings and inquiries continue, the statements and experiences of those close to her remain an important, though nuanced, element of the broader narrative surrounding this case.

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