Chloe Mitchell: Mural unveiled in memory of 21-year-old as family mark a year without her
A mural has been unveiled in Ballymena in memory of 21-year-old Chloe Mitchell.
Chloe Mitchell’s family and friends gathered on Larne Street in the Co Antrim town to unveil the new mural in her memory.
It had been created and organised by the community.
A large crown turned out to unveil the new mural which is located close to the Mitchell family home.
It has been reported that her brother Philip said it has been a devastating time for his family, and told of a sense of emptiness without his younger sister.
"It's been absolutely devastating, words can't describe it, it's an emptiness, a part of us missing, things will never ever be the same," he said.
"We just try to take one day at a time and stay strong as a family."
After Chloe went missing – in June 2022 – a huge search operation was launched in the Co Antrim town.
Around a week later, police launched a murder inquiry when Ms Mitchell’s remains were found.
Earlier this year, the Mitchell family held a balloon release to celebrate Chloe’s 22nd birthday.
At that time Philip said the family, especially her parents, have endured constant suffering. They're just trying to take it day by day,".
He added: "The hardest part for us now is watching our mother and father go through this. They're just lost without her".
He said that on her 22nd birthday "she'd have been up excited, opening her cards, and her new trainers and stuff like that and I just think it's what she deserves, it's the least we could do for her today."
Just last month, Brandon John Rainey pleaded “not guilty” to the murder of Ms Mitchell and further pleaded not guilty to attempting to prevent the lawful and decent burial of her body on the same date.