Northern Ireland

Sister of murdered Chloe Mitchell launches petition to have Co Antrim crime scene demolished

Nadine Mitchell says the building is causing a lot of distress to family and friends who live nearby

PACEMAKER BELFAST 12/06/2023 A 26-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in County Antrim. Brandon John Rainey of James Street, Ballymena, was charged with murdering Ms Mitchell between 2 and 5 June. Ms Mitchell was last seen in the County Antrim town on the night of 2 June and into the early hours of 3 June. Copy by Paul Higgins. 07973157553 Pics by Pacemaker. 07774 179 710 Thurs 18 April Õ24 There were emotional scenes in court today (thurs) as Brandon Rainey, already accused of killing Chloe Mitchell was ordered to stand trial for attempting to prevent her lawful burial as well her murder. Appearing by videolink from prison at the townÕs Magistrates Court where ChloeÕs grieving family and friends filled both sides of the public gallery, all wearing ÒJustice for Chloe T-shirts,Ó 26-year-old Rainey confirmed he had received papers and statements for the Preliminary Enquiry and that he was aware of the charges against him. Before any case can be elevated to the Crown Court the prosecution must first establish there is a Prima Facie case against an accused person and that is done through a PE. Rainey, from James Street in Ballymena, is charged with the murder of 21-year-old Chloe on 3 June last year and also that he Òattempted to prevent the lawful and decent burial of a deceased body contrary to Article 3(1) of the Criminal Attempts and Conspiracy (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 and Common LawÓ in an offence alleged to be aggravated by domestic abuse. Today (thurs) is the first time that charge has been laid against Rainey. Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday June 3 in Ballymena town centre and detectives investigating her disappearance launched a murder inquiry after suspected human remains were found in Ballymena.
Friends and family of Ballymena woman Chloe Mitchell march through the town
By Caoimhe Quinn McCullough

The sister of Chloe Mitchell has launched a petition calling for the Ballymena property where she was murdered to be demolished.

A huge search operation was launched in the Co Antrim town last June after the 21-year-old went missing.

Around a week later, police launched a murder inquiry when Ms Mitchell’s remains were found.

Brandon John Rainey, (27) formerly of James Street in the town has been charged with her murder and attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of Ms Mitchell’s body during a court appearance in May 2024.

He denies the charges.

Join the Irish News Whatsapp channel

Chloe’s sister Nadine is calling for the flats to be torn down saying it is causing a lot of distress to their family and community who live nearby.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 03/06/2024 Chloe Mitchells family unveil a mural in her memory on the first anniversary of her death in Ballymena on Monday Evening. Chloe Mitchell's father George, sister Nadine and brother Philip sit in front of the mural in Harryville.
Chloe Mitchell's family unveil a mural in her memory on the first anniversary of her death in Ballymena. Picture by Pacemaker

Nadine has urged the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) to agree to demolishing the building.

“Chloe was horrifically murdered In a flat of number 22 James Street, Harryville, Ballymena,” she said.

“Chloe had a heart of gold and would of helped anyone. As a family and community we need the flat demolished. What happened inside that flat was completely demonic.

“We have been told the flat would never be allocated. Family and friends nearby are haunted everyday by the events that occurred inside and around the flat. The family are asking for everyone’s support In signing this petition to get the flat demolished.

“It is causing a lot of distress to the family and community due to the horrific murder that happened within the flat.

A spokesperson for the NIHE said they have just been made aware of the petition but will take the view of its signatories on board when considering any future plans.

“The demolition of any property requires significant deliberation,” the said. “As this property is part of a wider block, we would also need to consider the other adjoining properties and residents when considering the demolition of this flat.

“We have only just been made aware of the petition.

“We will take the views of its signatories on board when considering any future plans for the property.”