A private funeral is to be held for murder and rape accused Jonathan Creswell.
Creswell (36) was found dead at his home on what was to be the second day of his trial for the murder and rape of Katie Simpson (21), the younger sister of his partner, Christina.
Creswell had denied the murder of Ms Simpson who died six days after an incident at Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney on August 3, 2020.
As the hearing opened on Wednesday, prosecuting counsel, Sam Magee KC told the court Creswell had been “found deceased at his home this morning”. A PSNI witness told the hearing police were notified at 9am on Wednesday that a man’s body had been found. A family member subsequently confirmed that it was Creswell’s body.
A death noticed was published online on Thursday.
The brief notice stated: “Creswell Jonathan James: 24th April 2024, suddenly at his home. Dearly beloved Son of Donna. A strictly private funeral will take place at a later date. The Lord is My Shepherd.”
