Killing of Chloe Mitchell

Chloe Louise Mitchell, born 26 March 2002, was a 21-year-old woman from the Harryville area of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and the youngest of six children. She disappeared in Ballymena town centre in the early hours of 3 June 2023, after CCTV recorded her walking through the area. She was reported missing on 7 June 2023, and police launched a high-risk missing-person investigation with searches across several parts of the town.

On 11 June 2023, during these searches, suspected human remains were discovered in Ballymena, prompting detectives to open a murder investigation. On 26 June 2023, the remains were confirmed to be Mitchell's.

Two men were arrested in connection with the case. Brandon John Rainey, aged 26, was arrested on 8 June 2023, and a 34-year-old man was arrested on 10 June 2023. Following the discovery of the remains on 11 June, both were charged on 12 June 2023: Rainey with murder, and the 34-year-old man with attempting to impede justice. At their appearance at Ballymena Magistrates' Court via video link, the court was told Rainey had longstanding mental-health difficulties, including a history of paranoid schizophrenia. The charge against the 34-year-old man was later withdrawn without prejudice. A further charge was subsequently brought against Rainey for attempting to prevent the lawful burial of a body.

Rainey had been scheduled to stand trial on 9 March 2026, but on 27 February 2026 the court was informed he would plead guilty to killing Mitchell by reason of diminished responsibility. His defence team later withdrew after telling the Crown Court they were "professionally compromised" and that Rainey no longer wished to instruct them; the judge permitted the withdrawal and directed him to secure new representation ahead of a review hearing. Rainey, who remains on remand in Maghaberry Prison, subsequently appeared at Belfast Crown Court with newly appointed legal representatives, who told the judge they were still awaiting transfer of case papers; a further mention was set for 27 March. At the next hearing the court was told the new legal team had received the case papers and planned to meet with Rainey; the judge scheduled a further review for 13 April and provisionally listed the trial to begin on 28 April.

The community held vigils in Mitchell's memory, including one at Belfast City Hall and a larger gathering in Ballymena on 14 June 2023 near where she was last seen, attended by her family. A thanksgiving service was held at her family home on 29 June 2023, followed by burial at Ballee Cemetery. On the first anniversary of her death, a mural was unveiled on Larne Street in Ballymena near the family home, organised by local residents.