Chloe Mitchell’s brother and uncle viewing floral tributes ahead of the vigil in Ballymena
By Kevin Sharkey & Eimear Flanagan
BBC News NI
The family of Chloe Mitchell have been going through a “living hell” following the murder of the 21-year-old Ballymena woman, her older brother has said.
Philip Mitchell told BBC News NI his family was “devastated,” but he also thanked people in the County Antrim town for the support they have shown.
Ms Mitchell went missing in Ballymena on 2 June and just over a week later a man was charged with her murder.
Hundreds of people are due at vigils in Ballymena and Belfast on Wednesday.
“I think its amazing the way the community – not just the Ballymena and Harryville community – but every community and further afield has come together in memory of my wee sister Chloe,” Philip Mitchell said.
“And the flowers and respect they’ve had is absolutely outstanding. It’s completely respected by our family and will always be remembered.”
He said he hoped as many people as possible would attend the vigils in person to “give her the send-off that she deserves”.
Asked how the family was coping, Mr Mitchell said: “I wouldn’t want any family to go through this, it’s just a living hell really and there’s no words.”
Image source, PA Media
Chloe Mitchell was last seen in Ballymena on 2/3 June
Speaking beside her brother, Nadine Mitchell said: “I’ve not only lost my sister but I’ve lost my best friend.”
Describing Chloe, she said she “was special because she touched so many hearts”.
“She was innocent, she never did anybody any harm.”
Nadine added: “My sister will always be living, while I am, because she had half of my heart and I currently have half of hers.”
Chloe Mitchell was the youngest of her family and is survived by her parents, two older sisters and two older brothers.
Chloe’s uncle Billy McDowell spoke to BBC News NI along with Nadine and Philip Mitchell
Chloe’s uncle Billy McDowell said the family’s grief was “unbearable”.
“It’s so hard for them to cope with at the minute,” he added, explaining that the immediate Mitchell family had asked for privacy when in their own home.
But he said they appreciated the public’s help during the searches and their support at the vigils.
A mental health charity, Turning Point NI, organised the Ballymena vigil, inviting the community to gather at 19:30 BST in King George’s Park, Harryville.
Trudi Power from the charity said the whole town was “in mourning” following events of the last week.
A vigil in Belfast was also held at City Hall, organised by the socialist feminist movement Rosa NI.
‘Stick together ‘
Natalie McNally’s father attended the Belfast vigil on Wednesday
The father of Natalie McNally, who was murdered in Lurgan in December, attended the Belfast vigil to show solidarity with Chloe Mitchell’s family and friends.
He said Ms Mitchell’s death was “absolutely horrifying”.
“Our family knows exactly what [they’re] going through, you wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy,” Noel McNally said.
“Everyone has to stick together to stop this violence against women… stop treating women like second-class citizens, everybody has to be treated equally.”
Ann Orr from Rosa said she organised the vigil to give people an opportunity to express their grief and sorrow as well as a show of support for Chloe’s family and friends.
She said there was a “collective grief” over Ms Mitchell’s death, highlighting she is the 18th woman to be murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020.
Reporting from Belfast City Hall, Linzi Lima
A crowd gathered at Belfast City Hall
Crowds gathered in front of Belfast city hall this evening holding banners with different words but the same message – to end violence against women and girls.
Among the banners were posters featuring the face of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell as well as other women murdered in Northern Ireland including Natalie McNally and Hollie Thomson.
Some of those posters were held by members of those women’s families who were there to show solidarity with the Mitchell family.
A one minute silence was held in honour of Chloe – a stark contrast to the chants lead by organisers before that silence.
On Monday, police investigating the murder appealed for people to stop sharing and commenting on graphic videos and texts circulating on social media platforms.
Flowers have been spread across King George’s Park, Harryville, Ballymena
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the material contained inaccuracies and was “also causing significant distress to Chloe’s family and friends”.
Det Ch Insp Millar added: “I am also aware of commentary in the media speculating about the recovery of human remains at specific locations.
“We would ask people not to comment and share such matters as they are likely to be incorrect, inaccurate and very hurtful to Chloe’s family.”
