Triple murderer and rapist Anthony Russell, aged 43, is the prime suspect in the fatal prison assault on Soham killer Ian Huntley, who died from severe brain trauma in hospital this morning. The attack occurred at HMP Frankland in Durham on February 26, with Huntley, 52, succumbing to his injuries after being ambushed in a workshop.
Police Investigation and Suspect Details
Durham Constabulary has not formally named the suspect but confirmed that a man in his mid-40s was detained following the incident. In a statement, police said: "A man who was attacked at HMP Frankland in Durham last week has died in hospital this morning. Ian Huntley, 52, was taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident in the workshop on the morning of Thursday, February 26."
The investigation remains ongoing, with a file being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service to consider potential charges. Russell, already serving a whole-life order for a brutal seven-day killing spree, is believed to be the perpetrator behind this latest violent episode.
Anthony Russell's Previous Crimes: A Timeline of Violence
Russell was jailed in 2022 after pleading guilty to three counts of murder and three counts of robbery, and being found guilty of rape by a jury at Warwick Crown Court. His crimes, described as "sustained and brutal" by the sentencing judge, unfolded over a week in October 2020.
Murder of Friend David Williams
On October 21, 2020, Russell murdered his friend David Williams after wrongly believing he was in a relationship with his girlfriend. He strangled Williams with a lanyard, leaving the body under his bed in a Coventry flat. Williams was discovered five days later with 87 injuries.
Killing of Julie Williams to Silence Her
Russell then strangled David Williams' mother, Julie Williams, 58, on October 26 at her home, inflicting 113 separate injuries. Police believe he confessed to David's killing to her and murdered Julie to prevent her from speaking to authorities.
Rape and Murder of Nicole McGregor
Later that same day, Russell raped and killed 31-year-old Nicole McGregor in Leamington Spa, luring her to woodland with promises of drugs. Her body was found three days later with wood and twigs in her mouth, showing signs of strangulation and blunt force injuries.
Robberies and Arrest
During his spree, Russell robbed a 78-year-old man of a mobile phone and £200 from a 71-year-old woman, violently dragging her along the ground. He also attacked a 75-year-old man in his home before stealing his Ford C-Max to flee. Russell was arrested on October 30 after police spotted the stolen vehicle near Burton-upon-Trent.
Sentencing and Characterization as "Exceptionally Dangerous"
During sentencing, Judge Mr Justice Wall described Russell as an "exceptionally dangerous" and manipulative man, noting the separate, brutal nature of each murder. He stated: "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."
Russell received a whole-life order, meaning he will spend the rest of his life in prison without eligibility for parole. This background underscores the severity of the alleged attack on Huntley, highlighting ongoing security concerns within the prison system.
