The judge presiding over the Chloe Mitchell murder trial has discharged the jury, halting proceedings that had begun on 3 November 2026. According to BBC News, the trial has been rescheduled for 25 November, when a fresh jury will be sworn in.
The judge did not immediately disclose the reasons for the discharge. He indicated that he will provide a full explanation after the trial concludes. He stated that "matters" had been brought to his attention, prompting him to conduct inquiries that made it impossible to continue the proceedings at that time.
The case involves Brandon Rainey, 30, who stands accused of murdering 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell on 3 June 2023 in Ballymena. The prosecution alleges he killed her at his house and disposed of her dismembered remains in a wheelie bin. Rainey had secured new legal representation ahead of the trial.
