Identification of remains in Chloe Mitchell murder case ongoing, police say

Chloe was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena

Author: Chelsie KealeyPublished 20th Jun 2023

Police in Northern Ireland investigating the murder of Chloe Mitchell have said a post-mortem examination on human remains found in Ballymena has concluded.

However, a detective has said that the but the process of identifying the remains is ongoing.

Ms Mitchell, 21, was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena town centre.

A huge search operation took place in the Co Antrim town following her disappearance.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found on Sunday, June 11.

Vigils to remember Ms Mitchell were held in her home town and in Belfast last week.

Providing an update on the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Millar said: "The post-mortem on human remains found in Ballymena on Sunday June 11 has now concluded.

"The identification process is still ongoing."

Meanwhile, a man charged with assisting an offender over the death of Ms Mitchell has been remanded in custody for a further two weeks.

Ryan Johnston Gordon, 34, from Nursery Close, Ballymena, appeared at the town's Magistrates' Court for a brief hearing on Tuesday.

A barrister for the defendant told the court there was no application for bail at this time.

Gordon, who appeared by videolink from Maghaberry Prison, was remanded in custody until July 6.

Another man, Brandon John Rainey, 26, from James Street in Ballymena, has appeared in court charged with the murder of Ms Mitchell.

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Vigils were held in her home town and in Belfast

A vigil was held in the Harryville area of Ballymena for 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell

Chloe Mitchell's brother Philip (centre) attended the a vigil in Ballymena.

A huge crowd turned out to remember 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena

People gathered to show their support for Chloe Mitchell's family in friends at a vigil in Ballymena

The funeral of murder victim Chloe Mitchell was held in Harryville, Ballymena.
Mourners watched a broadcast of the service on a large screen in King George's park.

Pictures, flowers and balloons were placed in King George's park in memory of the murdered 21-year-old.

A large crowd gathered to watch the funeral service of Chloe Mitchell in King Gegore's Park in Ballymena.

Chloe Mitchell's funeral service was streamed on a big screen in a park close to her family home.

Read More:

Brother of murdered 21-year-old woman thanks community as hundreds turn out for vigil

Book of Condolence to open in Derry for Chloe Mitchell

Vigils happening in Belfast and Ballymena to remember Chloe Mitchell

How to listen to Cool FM:

Tune into Northern Ireland’s number 1 for music, Cool FM on 97.4FM, online, on our Rayo app, your DAB radio, or say ‘Play Cool FM’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists, from Pete Snodden in the morning to the NI Hit 40.