Jury sworn in for Chloe Mitchell murder trial

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 4 Nov, 19:51 · Archive

Brandon Rainey, 30, denies murdering 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena in June 2023.

A jury of seven women and five men was sworn on Tuesday at Belfast Crown Court to hear the trial of Brandon Rainey, who is charged with the murder of Chloe Mitchell and preventing the lawful burial of her body. The 30-year-old, formerly of James Street in Ballymena, denies both charges.

Mitchell's remains were found days after she went missing in June 2023. The prosecution alleges that Rainey murdered her in his flat in the early hours of 3 June between 00:36 and 05:18 BST, and then dismembered her body and disposed of it in wheelie bins.

Crown barrister David Russell KC told the jury it was the prosecution's case that Mitchell and Rainey had been in an on-off relationship. Jurors were told Mitchell had significant addiction issues and was last seen alive by two of her friends in the company of Rainey in his flat shortly before her death. When Mitchell was discovered to be missing, one of those friends contacted Rainey, who told her Mitchell had only stayed about 15 minutes and left after an argument to go to Belfast.

Rainey, who is currently held in HM Maghaberry prison, was brought into the dock dressed in a grey Adidas tracksuit. He confirmed he was ready for his trial to commence. The judge, Mr Justice Fowler, told the jury they may find evidence presented during the trial distressing.

The trial formally began on Wednesday morning with the prosecution opening its case. Witnesses will include members of the Fire and Rescue Service and employees of Mid and East Antrim Council. The trial is expected to last between four and five weeks.

How it is being reported

• Chloe Mitchell murder trial: Jury hears 'Jack the ripper fascinated' accused 'dismembered body'The prosecution in the Chloe Mitchell murder trial has laid out their case. 21-year-old Chloe was found dead in Ballymena days after going missing in June 2023. 30-year-old Brandon Rainey of James Street in Ballymena is charged with murder and attempting to prevent the burial of her body.He denies the charges. Today in court Mr David Russell KC said there was a “wealth of evidence that will show beyond reasonable doubt” that Rainey murdered Chloe Mitchell.Allison Morris was in court.This podcast will include details of a murder listeners will find disturbing – listener discretion is…Belfast Telegraph · 4 Nov, 18:05
• Chloe Mitchell trial hears murder accused Brandon Rainey had Jack the Ripper obsessionWarning: There is graphic detail in this court reportBelfast Telegraph · 4 Nov, 16:41
• Details of murder of Chloe Mitchell heard in courtBrandon Rainey of James Street, Ballymena denies the murder of the 21-year-old in Ballymena in 2023.BBC Northern Ireland · 4 Nov, 13:32
• Jury sworn in for Chloe Mitchell murder trialBrandon Rainey, 30, pleaded not guilty to the 21-year-old's murder in 2024Belfast Live · 3 Nov, 13:30

In this story: Chloe Mitchell · Brandon Rainey · Ballymena · Belfast Crown Court · David Russell KC

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log