Ian Huntley's Final Xbox Purchase: Dark Souls Game Arrives After Prison Death
Convicted Soham murderer Ian Huntley reportedly ordered an Xbox video game with a chillingly apt title just days before he was killed in a prison attack, according to recent reports. The 52-year-old, who was serving a life sentence for the 2002 murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, died in hospital on Saturday, March 7, following an assault in the workshop at HMP Frankland on February 26.
Game Arrival Sparks Macabre Prison Humour
Sources indicate that Huntley purchased the game Dark Souls: Prepare to Die for his Xbox console shortly before the violent incident. The game reportedly arrived at the high-security prison three days after his death, prompting what has been described as "sick jokes" among inmates at the facility, which is nicknamed 'Monster Mansion'.
A prison insider told The Sun: "No one could believe it when it came into the prison on Tuesday. It was obviously the last thing he ordered and then it still arrived into the jail despite Huntley being killed. Many were cracking sick jokes about it. They were commenting on the irony of it—and whether Huntley had a premonition about it or something."
The game, which involves players breaking a curse through combat and upgrading weapons, was reportedly requested by other prisoners after Huntley's death. However, strict rules protecting deceased inmates' property prevented its redistribution.
Previous Xbox Privilege Removal
This incident follows reports that Huntley had his Xbox console confiscated as punishment for disciplinary breaches in January. Guards at HMP Frankland allegedly removed his privileges after discovering unauthorised items in his cell, including DVDs, USB sticks, and magazines. Huntley is said to have admitted to contraband violations, leading to the removal of his gaming console.
The timing of the game's arrival has added a macabre layer to an already grim situation, with the title Dark Souls: Prepare to Die taking on unintended significance given the circumstances of Huntley's death.
Murder Charge and Legal Proceedings
Durham Constabulary confirmed that Anthony Russell, 43, also an inmate at HMP Frankland, has been charged with Huntley's murder. A force spokesman stated: "Emergency services were called to reports of an assault in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26. Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died on the morning of Saturday, March 7."
Russell appeared via videolink from HMP Frankland at Teesside Crown Court for a preliminary hearing this week. He was not required to enter a plea, and a pre-trial preparation hearing has been scheduled for April 24 at Newcastle Crown Court.
The combination of Huntley's violent death, his recent gaming purchase, and the prison's nickname has created a disturbing narrative that continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance.
