Midsomer Murders explained: Why did Gabriel carry out murders in A Grain of Truth?

Paul Chahidi plays Gabriel Arnson in Midsomer Murders (Image: ITV)

Gabriel was revealed to be the latest murderer with a motive in this week's Midsomer Murders.

The latest instalment, titled "A Grain of Truth," centred on a reopened bakery and a batch of poisoned rolls, prompting an investigation by DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter.

The episode featured guest stars Robert Gilbert as Tom Larkton, Rebecca Night as Chrissie Larkton, Jo Martin playing Denise Bantrig, and Paul Chahidi portraying Gabriel Arnson.

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After three people met their untimely deaths, it was revealed that mind-manner Gabriel was the culprit. DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter uncovered his obsession with Chrissie Larkton and his shrine with photos of Chrissie, souvenirs, and dolls was discovered in his basement.

But why did Gabriel carry out the murders? We explain below.

Major spoilers for A Grain of Truth follow.

Who was Gabriel?

Gabriel is the head miller at Larkton's Mill and a passionate employee at the business. The bakery had reopened and was involved in a feud with the landlords at the Highwayman Inn, as well as Maria, who runs the old village cafe.

Why did Gabriel carry out the murders? 

It was revealed that Gabriel had been in love with Chrissie Larkton since she was a child. A shrine with photos of Chrissie, souvenirs, and dolls was discovered in his basement by DCI John Barnaby and DS Jamie Winter.

His motivation for killing three people was to protect Chrissie and the mill. He also hoped he would help run the mill with Chrissie and be together.

Gabriel let Michael Cignoni drown in the river 20 years ago because he was going after Chrissie Larkton. Gabriel successfully covered up the drowning and hoped Chrissie wouldn't remember - but uncovered memories led her to the truth.

Gabriel killed Nathan Duncroft because he thought he had poisoned Chrissie with ergot. Investigations found Bobby Cignoni planted the ergot at the mill.

Ricky Naybury was murdered when a bag of grain was dropped on his head from above. The death came after Ricky stole a box from his house that contained a necklace from 20 years ago. The necklace was in fact linked to the death of Michael Cignoni.

Gabriel failed to kill Tom Larkton after he struck him and tied him to a rope connected to the watermill. DS Winter was thankfully able to save Tom before he drowned.

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Midsomer Murders explained: Why did Gabriel carry out murders in A Grain of Truth?

Midsomer Murders explained: Why did Gabriel carry out murders in A Grain of Truth?

Midsomer Murders explained: Why did Gabriel carry out murders in A Grain of Truth?

Midsomer Murders explained: Why did Gabriel carry out murders in A Grain of Truth?

Midsomer Murders explained: Why did Gabriel carry out murders in A Grain of Truth?