Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna has shared her sympathies and thoughts with the family of Chloe Mitchell.
The 21-year-old Ballymena woman was last seen in the town on the night or Saturday 2nd June, and into the early hours of Sunday 3rd June.
Over the last week an extensive search operation got underway involving police, Community Rescue Service (CRS) and members of the community. One week after the young woman was last seen, police confirmed on Sunday evening, 11 August, that 'suspected human remains' had been found in Ballymena and confirmed detectives had launched a murder investigation.
Police later charged two men in connection with Chloe's murder. Both appeared via videolink in Ballymena Magistrates Court today, Monday 12 June.
Accused: Brandon Rainey (left) and Alan Johnston Gordon (right)
Brandon John Rainey (21), with an address of James Street. Ballymena was charged with the young woman's murder. Also appearing was Alan Johnston Gordon (34) with an address of Nursery Close in the town. Gordon was charged with attempting to impede justice by concealing evidence concerning the alleged murder of Chloe Mitchell.
Both men were remanded into custody.
Commenting on the shocking incident, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said:
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Chloe Mitchell following last night’s devastating announcement regarding her disappearance.
“Their pain and suffering at this time is unimaginable. It is heartbreaking.
“I want to pay tribute to the police, Community Rescue Service, and all of those within the local community for their tireless efforts to find Chloe throughout the past week.
“I urge anybody with any information regarding what is tragically now a murder investigation to share that information with the PSNI.”