A coroner has provided an update on the investigation into the death of Ian Huntley, the notorious Soham murderer. Huntley, aged 52, sustained fatal head injuries from a metal bar assault while incarcerated at HMP Frankland. Despite being placed on life support, he passed away nine days later.
Coroner’s officer Bradley King revealed that the inquest has been paused due to ongoing criminal proceedings against Anthony Russell, a fellow inmate at Frankland, who stands accused of Huntley’s murder. The hearing at Crook coroners’ court in Co Durham was adjourned until September 15 as a result of these developments.
Huntley, who was serving a minimum of 40 years for the murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was found to have lured the young girls to his home before their tragic deaths. His accomplice, Maxine Carr, was convicted of perverting the course of justice but acquitted of assisting in the crimes.
The circumstances surrounding Huntley’s demise were detailed during a previous inquest session, confirming that he succumbed to severe head injuries sustained in the altercation. His cremation was conducted discreetly without a formal service, as his family declined a state-funded funeral out of respect for his victims’ families.
