The couple moved to Finsbury Park in north London together, with Yvonne giving birth to a daughter, but separated after Johnson discovered that she was having an affair.
Johnson was released by a mental health tribunal in October 1997, on condition that he notified the supervising doctors and social workers about any relationship with women he formed.
[2] During a visit by authorities to his Dartmouth Park home, a wood carving spelling out "Love" was found on Johnson's mantelpiece, but the object did not arouse any suspicion.
Soon after entering the house, Best was struck at least six times with a claw hammer by Johnson, who finally strangled her with a dressing gown cord despite her efforts to defend herself.
Hours after killing her, Johnson proceeded to throw himself in front of an express train at Cheshunt railway station, losing his right arm and left hand in the process.
[citation needed] Best's family, among them her son Raphael and her sisters Lorraine Jones and Valerie Archibold, described her loss as "immeasurable", adding that she loved her children and grandchildren dearly.