Man charged with murder of Chloe Mitchell, 21, as second accused of attempting to impede justice
A MAN appeared in court today accused of murdering Chloe Mitchell, as her sister Nadine paid tribute to her “special angel”.
Brandon John Rainey, 26, from James Street, Ballymena, Co , appeared via video link at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court, where he was charged with murdering Ms Mitchell between June 2 and 5.
Rainey wore a grey sweatshirt and, when asked if he understood the charge, replied: “Yeah.”
A detective inspector told the court she can connect the accused to the charge.
Rainey’s defence barrister Neil Moore told the that he was not applying for normal bail.
He said his application was for Rainey to be remanded to the secure psychiatric unit at the Shannon Clinic as he is a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic.
He argued that Rainey should be detained there under the mental health order so that he can be psychiatrically assessed.
He added that Rainey has been an inpatient at the facility before.
When District Judge Peter King inquired when Rainey had been released, Mr Moore further revealed that last August a tribunal had “indicated that he should not be released”.
However, Detective Inspector Foreman said police had “concerns” about Rainey going back to the Shannon Clinic as he had escaped from there on three separate occasions, taking advantage of exercise periods to run away.
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The senior officer explained: “In relation to the periods of escape, it should be noted that on each occasion he was found in the Ballymena area, which shows a propensity to return to the area.”
She argued that psychiatric services and facilities at HMP Maghaberry could be used to identify any psychiatric issues Rainey has.
Charged with assisting an offender is Ryan Johnston Gordon, 34, from Nursery Close, Ballymena.
No bail bid was made for Gordon but one will be made on Tuesday, June 20.
Counsel for Gordon said he wanted to “echo similar sentiments to my colleague” in terms of his client, adding: “There are mental health difficulties.”
Gordon was also remanded into custody.
EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE
It comes as Ms Mitchell’s heartbroken sister Nadine took to to pay an emotional tribute to her sister.
Sharing a video collage of pictures of Ms Mitchell that she had put together, she said: “Now you are my special angel.
“I made you this video Chloe . . . if only our love could have saved you.
“My precious baby sister, I’ll see you again.”
She added: “You will always be my number one best friend, just like we said. Always and forever now you are my special angel.
“No matter what, our bond will still never ever be broken. You are safe now in the arms of the angels.
“I love you and will never stop loving you.
“I will always look after Mum and Dad for you, as I know you would of wanted me to keep my strength up for them and that’s what I’m doing, sis. Making you proud.”
LAST SIGHTING
Ms Mitchell was last seen on CCTV in the early hours of Saturday, June 3, in Ballymena town centre.
Detectives investigating her disappearance launched a murder inquiry on Sunday after suspected human remains were found in Ballymena.
Forensic officers attended a flat in in Ballymena on Sunday evening. The property had been cordoned off by police last week. The discovery of the suspected remains came after extensive searches in the Ballymena area.
The searches took place along the banks of the River Braid as well as in the water and surrounding areas.
Police later thanked the community in Ballymena as well as the local volunteer search and rescue teams for their help in trying to find Ms Mitchell.
A prayer vigil for Ms Mitchell was held at a local church on Sunday evening, while North Antrim MP Ian Paisley said there is a “terrible shadow” over Ballymena following Chloe’s death.
'AWFUL NEWS'
Paying tribute to those who took part in the search, he told the BBC: “They were just brilliant. They worked in very hot weather through river beds and difficult terrain.
“It shows the community spirit. No one wanted to hear that awful news that emerged and the sadness that is there.
“They all worked in hope, but unfortunately that has been put aside now.”
And First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill offered support to Chloe’s friends, family and community.
The Sinn Fein vice president said on Twitter: “My heart goes out to the family, friends and local community to which Chloe Mitchell proudly belonged, as they come to terms with the devastating news.
“Women and girls in this society need to be safe and, sadly, we are seeing . . . this isn’t the case.”
'HEARTBREAKING'
SDLP Justice Spokesperson Sinead McLaughlin also expressed condolences to Chloe’s heartbroken family. Ms McLaughlin said: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of Chloe Mitchell at this truly awful time.
“It is just heartbreaking that such a young life has been taken, particularly in such terrible circumstances, and I cannot imagine the grief that they all must feel.”
North Antrim TUV MLA Jim Allister was present in court for today's hearing, having previously described Ms Mitchell’s death as a “tragic loss”.
Mr Allister said: “This sad news in Ballymena will evoke great sympathy and support for Chloe Mitchell’s family.
“The emergency services and volunteer search and rescue participants, along with many locals from the community, rallied round with great fortitude, but now all must face this sad news.”
VIGIL PLANS
Meanwhile, a vigil for Ms Mitchell is planned for Wednesday night.
Turning Point NI, a guidance, support and counselling charity, has organised the service which is set to take place in King George’s Park in Ballymena on Wednesday evening. The group posted: “In Memory of Chloe Mitchell.
“After being in contact with Chloe’s family, they have given us permission to organise a vigil in memory of the life of Chloe Mitchell.
“This will be held on Wednesday 14th at 7.30pm in King George’s Park, Harryville.
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“This vigil is for everyone within the Harryville and Ballymena area. The family would love to see everyone there.
“Please bring along lanterns and balloons which will be released on the evening.”
