Brandon Rainey pleaded guilty to killing Chloe Mitchell in 2023, citing mental health, with trial delayed to April 2026.

Brandon John Rainey, 29, of Ballymena, has admitted to killing 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell in June 2023, according to a Belfast Crown Court hearing on February 27, 2026. Originally set to stand trial on March 9, Rainey’s defense team now plans to plead guilty to manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, citing his mental state at the time. An updated psychiatric report from Dr. Issac is expected by March 13, with the Crown awaiting its own evaluation from Dr. Brennan, on leave until mid-March. The trial has been postponed to at least April 13, 2026, pending assessments. Rainey still denies attempting to obstruct a lawful burial.