Anthony Russell, 43, is suspected of attacking Soham killer Ian Huntley at HMP Frankland. Russell was jailed for life in 2022 after murdering three people during a brutal week-long killing spree
Triple killer Anthony Russell is believed to be the prisoner suspected of causing fatal injuries to Ian Huntley during a brutal prison ambush. Soham monster Huntley, 52, died in hospital on Saturday morning after suffering severe brain trauma in the assault.
It is thought the attack was carried out by 43-year-old Russell, who was serving life at HMP Frankland for three murders and the rape of a pregnant woman. Durham Constabulary has not identified the suspect, but confirmed a man in his mid-40s had been arrested.
In a statement, police said: “A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning. Huntley was rushed to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26.
A police investigation into the circumstances of the incident is ongoing. A file is being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration for charges, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Russell was jailed in 2022 after slaying three people during a “sustained and brutal” seven-day killing spree, including his mate David Williams and his mum.
Slaughtered mate after becoming convinced partner was cheating on him
On October 21, 2020, Russell murdered his friend David Williams after mistakenly believing he was in a relationship with his girlfriend. He throttled him with a lanyard, before stashing the body under his bed in his Coventry flat.
Mr Williams was found five days later, having sustained 87 injuries. Here’s a timeline of his crimes:
Murdered victim’s mum “to stop her speaking to police”
Russell then strangled Mr Williams’ 58-year-old mother, Julie Williams, on October 26, in a brutal assault at her home that resulted in 113 separate injuries. After her sister reported her missing, police broke into Julie’s home and discovered her lifeless body on the living room floor.
Det Supt Shaun Edwards stated after Russell’s sentencing that it is believed he had “confessed to David’s killing” to her, and that he “killed Julie to stop her from speaking to the police”.
Fled the scene, stealing phone from elderly man
Russell absconded from Coventry the day after murdering Mrs Williams, taking cash and a mobile phone he had stolen from a 78-year-old man. He used public transport to get to the town of Kenilworth, Warwickshire, where he robbed a 71-year-old woman of £200, violently dragging her along the ground during the attack.
Raped and murdered woman in woods
Russell raped and killed his final victim, 31-year-old Nicole McGregor on October 26, just hours after arriving in Leamington Spa. She was discovered in woodland at Newbold Comyn three days later with wood and twigs in her mouth.
She had suffered multiple blunt force injuries to her head and face, a brain haemorrhage, and her body showed signs of strangulation. Police stated there was no known connection between Russell and his victim, and she is believed to have been enticed to the woodland after being offered drugs.
On October 28, Russell assaulted a 75-year-old man at his residence after requesting directions, before nicking his Ford C-Max to escape the vicinity. He was apprehended on October 30 after officers spotted the stolen Ford C-Max parked on a street near Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.
Russell was discovered on the rear seat.
“Exceptionally dangerous” murderer jailed
Russell admitted to three counts of murder and three counts of robbery, before being unanimously convicted of the rape of Nicole McGregor by a jury at Warwick Crown Court in March 2022. During his sentencing, judge Mr Justice Wall branded Russell as an “exceptionally dangerous” and manipulative individual, stating: “I have no doubt that this is a case which falls fairly and squarely within the description of being exceptionally serious.
“There were three murders – each was separated in time and location Each was the result of a separate murderous act which was sustained and brutal.
“Each involved the use of very significant violence.” He was given a whole-life order, meaning he will remain behind bars for the remainder of his life with no possibility of parole.
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