A jury comprising seven women and five men has been sworn in for the trial of Brandon Rainey, 30, who is accused of murdering 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in Ballymena. According to BBC News, Rainey, held at HMP Maghaberry, denies both the murder on 3 June 2023 and preventing the lawful burial of her remains. The defendant appeared in court wearing a grey tracksuit, confirmed his identity, and indicated he was prepared to proceed with the trial.
The jury selection process, which lasted just under an hour, saw the judge, Mr Justice Fowler, invite potential jurors to raise any concerns that might affect their ability to try the case fairly. Prosecution counsel provided jurors with key information about the alleged offence, including that it occurred on James Street in Ballymena, where the defendant was residing at the time. The judge informed the panel that the trial is expected to last between four and five weeks. After being instructed not to discuss the case with others or seek information about it outside the courtroom, jurors were released for the day, with proceedings scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 3 November 2026.
More than 60 family members and friends of Chloe Mitchell attended the court, with her brother Philip among those present in the public gallery.
The trial date had been delayed after Rainey's previous legal team withdrew, saying they were "professionally compromised"; a new team led by Des Fahy KC subsequently took over the case. In February 2026, Rainey's defence had indicated to the court an intention to admit killing Mitchell by reason of diminished responsibility, prompting the case to be delayed while medical assessments and reports were pursued. The court was told a Crown medical expert had examined Rainey in prison and was expected to complete a report by mid-October 2026.
What happened to Chloe Mitchell?
Chloe Mitchell, 21, was last observed alive on CCTV footage in Ballymena town centre during the early hours of 3 June 2023. Her disappearance triggered an extensive search operation coordinated by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Human remains were subsequently discovered in the County Antrim town, leading detectives to launch a murder inquiry. Her body was recovered approximately one week after she went missing in June 2023.
What happens next?
The trial is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, at Belfast Crown Court and is anticipated to continue for up to five weeks. Evidence will begin to be heard from that date, with the jury expected to hear from multiple witnesses throughout the proceedings.
