Ian Kevin Huntley was born on January 31, 1974, in Grimsby, Lincolnshire, as the first of two sons to Kevin and Lynda Huntley, growing up in modest working-class circumstances. The family later moved and he attended both Healing and Immingham Comprehensive schools. Friends recall a shy, attention-seeking boy who suffered bullying and displayed his sensitive nature through tantrums. He earned five GCSEs in 1990, eschewing further education to take on various low-skilled jobs between 1990 and 1996 . A 1995 marriage to Claire Evans ended swiftly amid domestic violence, allegedly resulting in Evans' miscarriage and emotional abuse .

Huntley had a documented history of sexual relationships with underage girls in the late 1990s. Though no sexual assault convictions were made, the allegations contributed to his job departure in 2001. That same year, he secured a caretaker position at Soham Village College, adopting the name "Ian Nixon" during vetting.

On 4 August 2002, Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman left Holly’s house to buy sweets. As they returned around 6:30 pm, Huntley lured them into his home, claiming Maxine Carr was there—when she wasn't. Authorities later concluded both girls were murdered by asphyxiation in Huntley's home. Their remains were discovered inside an irrigation ditch near RAF Lakenheath, Suffolk, 13 days later on 17 August 2002. 

A massive manhunt ensued, involving over 400 police officers, volunteers, and even US Air Force personnel. CCTV, witness accounts, and forensics pointed strongly toward Huntley’s involvement.

On 16 August, police searched Huntley’s home and workplace—Soham Village College—recovering burned clothing, fibers, and the girls' football shirts, linking him to the crime. He and Carr were arrested pre-dawn on 17 August on suspicion of abduction and murder. They were officially charged on August 20, 2002 . Huntley was detained under mental health evaluation at Rampton Hospital before deemed fit for trial. 

The trial began on 5 November 2003 at the Old Bailey, presided over by Mr Justice Alan Moses. Huntley initially pleaded not guilty but later admitted the girls died in his home, claiming they were accidental suffocations. Forensic evidence and mobile phone records undermined his defense. On 17 December 2003, a jury convicted him of two counts of murder; Carr was convicted of perverting the course of justice and sentenced to 3½ years. 

On 29 September 2005, Mr Justice Moses imposed a 40-year minimum term, meaning Huntley cannot apply for parole until 2042, despite not receiving a whole-life order under new sentencing guidelines.