Katie Simpson murder accused found dead at Derry home

The man accused of murdering and raping young female showjumper Katie Simpson has died, a court has heard.

Jonathan Creswell, 36, had denied the murder and rape of Katie Simpson. His trial began yesterday and the jury heard Cresswell had killed her out of “jealousy” after he found out she was in a relationship with someone else

Ms Simpson died following an incident in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on 3 August 2020.

The 21-year-old, who was from the village of Tynan in County Armagh, died in Altnagelvin Hospital six days later, having never regained consciousness.

On Wednesday, prosecuting counsel Sam Magee KC told Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine, that Mr Creswell “was found deceased at his home this morning”.

He had not been remanded into custody and was on bail.

A senior detective was called to the witness box and advised he had received information that at 9 am police in Derry confirmed a male has been found dead.

A family member confirmed it was Jonathan Creswell.

The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner has been informed.

Following the development, the Recorder of Derry Judge Neil Rafferty KC discharged the jury.

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