Inquest into Ian Huntley's death suspended amid upcoming murder trial
Trial regarding the alleged murder of Ian Huntley set for November 23rd
Last updated 15th Sep 2026
The inquest into the death of Ian Huntley, sentenced for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, remains suspended.
It's as the trial of Anthony Russell, charged with Huntley's murder, is pending.
Huntley was allegedly attacked by fellow prisoner Russell in Frankland Prison, Durham, on 26th February with a metal bar. Huntley passed away on 7th March at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary.
Coroner Jeremy Chipperfield, at a brief inquest hearing in Crook, County Durham, was informed on the criminal proceedings against Russell, whose trial is set to begin on 23rd November.
Psychiatric assessments have been carried out on Russell's behalf for both prosecution and defence. Chipperfield stated that the inquest suspension will continue until the trial concludes and further proceedings are deemed necessary.
Huntley had been serving a life sentence following his conviction in 2003 after being found guilty of murdering 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham, Cambridgeshire. The tragic events unfolded after they left a barbecue, and their bodies were discovered 13 days later despite extensive searches.
The inquest proceedings are set to re-examine on 16th December.