A horse trainer found dead during his own trial uploaded a chilling Facebook tribute just hours after he allegedly raped and murdered a young showjumper.
Jonathan Creswell, 36, was found dead in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, one day after his trial began into the rape and murder of Katie Simpson, 21. His death is not believed to have been suspicious.
Londonderry Crown Court, sitting in Coleraine, heard Creswell had had a sexual relationship with Katie, despite sharing two children with her sister Christina. He became furious with Katie when he found out she had started a relationship with someone else.
The jury heard Creswell had raped and strangled Katie. He then tried to cover up the crime by making Katie's death appear like a suicide, the prosecution argued.
Katie ultimately died in hospital on August 9, 2020. According to MailOnline, Creswell made a gushing Facebook post about Katie on the day of her death.
It said: "One of the best friends I could ever ask for, one of the most talented horse women I ever met. Best hunting in the world, fearless in the saddle, fearless across the country. Hardest worker born, best aunty to my [two] children. Christina Simpson [and] myself and the world are going to struggle without you beautiful We love you so much. Can't wait to see you again."
The post, uploaded to Creswell's Facebook profile, was also signed off with several kissing emojis. The prosecution argued Creswell pretended he was "the unfortunate individual" who found Katie's body.
Creswell allegedly murdered Katie following an incident in the home he shared with her sister. During the incident, which happened a week before Katie's death, Creswell reportedly raped her.
The prosecution argued Creswell pretended to others that he found Katie hanging in the stairwell. They further claimed he told medical staff she had taken her own life.
A witness confirmed hearing a scream but the prosecution said this was Creswell feigning shock. BBC News said a post-mortem had found Katie suffered injuries to her limbs that were "consistent to being struck with a rod-type implement."
MailOnline reported Katie's mother Noleen said: "Katie's passion was horses, her friends, her family - going out with friends and socialising. She was a real people person. She could talk to anybody and it didn't matter their age. Katie would have just lit up the room. I know everybody says that but when you think of her you smile."