A murder charge has been brought against a man in connection with the death of Ian Huntley, who passed away at the age of 52 after an assault in the workshop of HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26. Huntley, known for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, had been hospitalized and on life support following the attack before succumbing to his injuries on Saturday.
Durham Constabulary’s spokesperson announced that Anthony Russell, aged 43 and also an inmate at HMP Frankland, has been arrested and charged with murder. Russell is set 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 the morning of Thursday, February 26. Ian Huntley was rushed to the hospital but tragically passed away on the morning of Saturday, March 7.”
In a previous statement, Durham Constabulary confirmed Huntley’s passing, noting that he sustained severe injuries during the workshop incident. Huntley’s notorious crime involved the murders of Holly and Jessica in 2002, where their bodies were later discovered in a ditch. Huntley was convicted of the murders in 2003 after a trial at the Old Bailey, with his then-partner Maxine Carr receiving a prison sentence for providing a false alibi.
Huntley’s daughter, Samantha Bryan, expressed relief upon learning that her father had been taken off life support, suggesting that his ashes should not receive any dignified treatment. 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 going. A funeral is pointless for a man like him.”