Jade had her whole life ahead of her as a devoted mother of four who bravely built the courage to leave her husband. But just days after making the decision, her life was brutally taken
After enjoying a quiet night with her children, Jade Ward tucked her four kids into bed, expecting a peaceful sleep. But in the cruellest way imaginable, her twisted husband stole her life that night.
ITV’s true crime documentary, Social Media Murders, tonight delves into the horrific murder of the 27-year-old mother of four. The third season of the show will examine three shocking murders of a young person over three consecutive nights, each episode exploring how social media played an unsettling role in bringing together the culprit and the victim.
Jade Ward (Marsh) met her murderer husband, Russell Marsh, at 16, and the pair quickly formed an instant connection. She soon became pregnant, embracing motherhood—which her family recalls was a lifelong dream of hers—to be a mother and have a ‘wild’ family life.
Her family recall how she changed after becoming a mother, pouring her all into raising her children and putting her family at the centre. Jade’s family quickly grew to love Russell like he was their own. When they first met him, he came across as sociable. He didn’t always involve himself in everything, but nothing to raise alarm bells. Over the years, their relationship took a darker turn, ultimately ending in the unimaginable.
Killer jailed for life over ‘brutal’ murder of ex found ‘mutilated’ under clothes pile
A few years into their relationship, something changed in Russell. “You’re not doing this” “I don’t want you going there” – these weren’t just words – they were commands. Jade knew them too well. Rather than argue, she gave in, letting his control dictate her decisions.
Jade broke up with Russell plenty of times, but in the end, she always would go back – for the sake of keeping her family together. Then one day, she walked into her home to find her children excitedly telling her she and Russell were getting married. She hadn’t planned a wedding – he had. Despite never wanting this, she felt she couldn’t ‘fail’ her children, so she decided to go through with it.
But in her final days, something shifted in Jade. She fell out of love completely. This time, she was certain – she decided to leave him for good. What she didn’t know was that it would be the last decision she would ever make.
Russell Marsh was angry, furious that Jade no longer looked at him the same. On 26 August 2021, Russell fabricated an excuse to leave his night job early and drove to Jade’s house in Shotton, Wales. Once inside, he strangled and stabbed Jade to death in a heartless, vicious attack, only a few steps away from their four children.
Marsh had been “consumed with self-pity and jealously” when he went to his ex’s home and carried out a “prolonged and cruel” attack, the court heard. After the brutal murder, Russell handed himself in to the police however didn’t explain how he mutilated his kind, caring wife. When the Police arrived at Jade’s house, they found her lifeless, blood-stained body under a pile of clothes, while her children slept throughout.
He accepted he killed Ms Ward by way of asphyxiation and had no lawful reason for doing so, but denied any intent to kill or cause her serious harm. During his trial, Marsh claimed he believed she was “trying to drive him to suicide” in order to claim his £1m life insurance pay-out.
The cold-blooded killer was convicted of her murder at Mold Crown Court and was sentenced to 25 years. Detective Inspector Myfanwy Kirkwood, the deputy Senior Investigating Officer, said: “For Jade’s young life to be cut so cruelly short in such tragic circumstances is beyond comprehension.
“Jade was much loved by her family and friends and I recognise that no words or verdict will ever bring back this young woman, but I hope today’s outcome will bring a small sense of peace to Jade’s family. They have shown immense strength and courage throughout and I thank them for the way in which they have found the strength to assist my investigation team.”
Following the sentencing, Jade’s family described her and “kind and caring” and “the sunshine in our lives, the glue that held us all together”. A law was made in Jade’s name to better protect children by preventing murderers from having any say over key elements of their lives after Russell was able to control the children even from a prison cell.
Labour vows to introduce ‘Jade’s Law’ to end killers having a say in their children’s lives
