An inquiry is set to commence today regarding the passing of Ian Huntley, the infamous Soham murderer, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a prison assault. Huntley, aged 52, was transported to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle following an alleged attack using a metal bar at HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26.
After being taken off life support on March 7, Huntley passed away. It remains uncertain if his body has been relocated from the hospital morgue five weeks after his demise.
The County Durham and Darlington Coroner has arranged an initial hearing for the inquest in Crook, County Durham, under the name Ian Kevin Huntley. The senior coroner Jeremy Chipperfield will preside over the inquest opening.
Anthony Russell, aged 43, faces charges of murdering Huntley at the high-security prison. He made an appearance before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, in March.
During the hearing, Russell confirmed his identity and acknowledged the requirement to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on the murder charge. His next court appearance for pre-trial preparation is scheduled for April 24.
Huntley was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both 10 years old. Following their disappearance after leaving a family gathering to buy sweets in Soham, Cambridgeshire on August 4, 2002, Huntley, a former school caretaker, committed the heinous crimes.
Their bodies were discovered dumped in a nearby ditch after an extensive search lasting 13 days. Living with Maxine Carr, a teaching assistant at the girls’ school, Huntley denied responsibility but was ultimately found guilty in a trial at the Old Bailey in 2003.
Huntley received a life sentence with a recommended minimum term of 40 years. Carr, who provided him with a false alibi, was imprisoned for 21 months for obstructing justice and now resides under a new identity.
