A murder charge has been brought against a man in connection with the death of Ian Huntley. The 52-year-old Huntley passed away in a hospital after being assaulted in the workshop of HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26. Huntley, known for the tragic murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, was placed on life support following the attack and succumbed to his injuries on Saturday.
Durham Constabulary’s spokesperson announced that Anthony Russell, 43, who is also an inmate at HMP Frankland, has been formally accused of murder. Russell is scheduled to appear via video link at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The police spokesperson stated, “A man has been charged with murder following an incident at HMP Frankland in Durham. Emergency services responded to reports of an assault in the workshop on Thursday, February 26. Ian Huntley, 52, was hospitalized with severe injuries and unfortunately passed away on Saturday, March 7.
Furthermore, a prior statement released by Durham Constabulary confirmed Huntley’s death. It mentioned, “Ian Huntley, 52, who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week, has passed away in the hospital. A police inquiry is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident with a file being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for potential charges.”
Huntley’s infamous crime involved the murders of Holly and Jessica in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2002. After a family gathering, the girls went missing and were later found dead. Huntley was convicted of their murders in 2003 after denying the charges. His then-partner, Maxine Carr, provided a false alibi and was imprisoned for perverting the course of justice. She now lives under a new identity.
The court sentenced Huntley to life imprisonment with a recommended minimum term of 40 years for the Soham killings. Huntley’s daughter, Samantha Bryan, expressed relief upon learning that his life support was terminated and suggested that his ashes should not receive a proper funeral. Bryan stated, “We should flush his ashes down the toilet… He shouldn’t have the dignity of a funeral and grave. I will not be attending. A funeral is pointless for a man like him.”