Killing of Chloe Mitchell

Mitchell was last seen in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of 3 June 2023, when CCTV recorded her walking through the area.^[4][5] She was reported missing on 7 June,^[6] and police treated the case as a high‑risk missing‑person investigation, carrying out searches across several parts of the town. During these searches on 11 June, human remains were found in Ballymena, prompting detectives to open a murder investigation. On 26 June, it was confirmed that the remains were Mitchell's.^[5]

A large crowd gathered in Ballymena on 14 June for a vigil held near the location where Mitchell had last been seen. Flowers and other tributes were placed at a temporary memorial in the park, and members of her family attended. One of her brother's addressed those present and expressed appreciation for the support offered by local residents, emergency services, and Community Rescue Service volunteers involved in the search. A separate vigil had taken place earlier at Belfast City Hall.^[7]

A thanksgiving service for Mitchell took place on 29 June at her family home. A local minister led the gathering and described her as a much‑loved daughter and sister. He told those present that the community had come together to support the family "in their time of great need".^[8] A large number of people assembled in nearby King George's Park, where the service was relayed on a screen.^[8] A cortege left the family home after the service, led by a lone piper as the coffin was carried from the house, and continued on to Ballee Cemetery for the burial.^[9]

A mural in Mitchell's memory was unveiled on Larne Street in Ballymena on the first anniversary of her death. The artwork, created and organised by local residents, is located close to the Mitchell family home and was attended by a large crowd, including members of her family.^[10]

Brandon John Rainey, aged 26, was arrested on 8 June 2023, and a 34‑year‑old man was arrested on 10 June.^[11] Following the discovery of suspected human remains on 11 June, both men were charged on 12 June; Rainey was charged with murder, and the 34‑year‑old was charged with attempting to impede justice.^[6] During their appearance at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link, the court was told that Rainey had longstanding mental‑health difficulties, including a history of paranoid schizophrenia.^[12] The charge against the 34‑year‑old man was later "withdrawn without prejudice".^[13] A further charge was subsequently brought against Rainey for attempting to prevent the lawful burial of a body.^[14] He had been scheduled to stand trial on 9 March 2026, but on 27 February 2026 the court was informed that he would plead guilty to killing Mitchell by reason of diminished responsibility.^[15]

Rainey's defence team later withdrew after advising the Crown Court that they were "professionally compromised" and that he no longer wished to instruct them; the judge allowed the withdrawal and directed him to obtain new representation before a review hearing.^[16] At a later hearing, Rainey, who remains on remand in Maghaberry Prison, appeared at Belfast Crown Court with newly appointed legal representatives. His new team told the judge they were still awaiting the transfer of case papers, and a further mention was set for 27 March. The judge noted the need for the case to progress and said the appointment of new representation was welcome.^[17] At the next hearing, the court was told that Rainey's legal team had since received the case papers and planned to meet him the following week. The judge scheduled a further review for 13 April and provisionally listed the trial to begin on 28 April.^[18]