HUMAN remains discovered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, has been confirmed as that of Chloe Mitchell.
A man has been charged with the murder of the 21-year-old.
Who is Chloe Mitchell?
Chloe was from Ballymena, Northern Ireland.
She was last seen on June 2, 2023, by her family, and was captured on CCTV walking in the direction of James Street in the early hours of June 3.
After her disappearance was reported, Community Rescue Services including PSNI search teams were involved in an extensive operation to find her.
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On June 9, 2023, police confirmed a criminal investigation had been launched with Chloe deemed a “high-risk missing person”.
Detectives from Northern Ireland’s Major Investigation Team announced on June 11, 2023, that a murder inquiry had been launched following the discovery of suspected human remains found in Ballymena.
Two men appeared before Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on June 12.
Brandon John Rainey, 26, is accused of the murder of Chloe.
Ryan Johnston Gordon, 34, appeared in court charged with attempting to impede justice by concealing evidence around the alleged murder of Chloe between June 2 and June 5, 2023.
What happened to Chloe Mitchell?
It is unclear the exact details of what happened to Chloe.
A flat in James Street where Mitchell was last seen on CCTV was cordoned off with forensic officers attending the property.
Human remains were discovered in the property and have since been formally identified as Chloe Mitchell.
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Millar said: "The identification process on human remains found in Ballymena on Sunday 11th June has now concluded and have been confirmed as those of Chloe Mitchell."
What has her family said?
Vigils to remember Ms Mitchell have been held in her home town and in Belfast following her death.
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Hundreds of people have laid flowers and messages of love at a makeshift shrine close to where the young woman was last seen.
Chloe's uncle Billy McDowell visits the park every day to tidy the area up and read the tributes to his tragic niece.
Commenting on the communities reaction, he said: "The tributes in this park have been a real comfort for us.
“There are strangers who are coming to the park and sitting here. They have maybe lost ones and are coming here to say their own prayers.
“We have loads of people who are coming down here and talking, which is good."
He added: “People have approached me and other members of the family here to offer their condolences and it is very heartwarming.”
Mr McDowell spoke of the support the family has seen by the surrounding community, who have been left shocked by the horrific tragedy.
Chloe was the youngest of her family and is survived by her parents, two older sisters and two older brothers.
Mr Mitchell told how their beloved Chloe will always remain their hearts and will never be forgotten and added: "We will never get over this but we will do our best to stick by each other and help everyone through it."
