No Criminal Wrongdoing Found in Police Investigation of Katie Simpson Murder
The Police Ombudsman has found no evidence of criminal misconduct by a police officer involved in the investigation into the murder of young showjumper Katie Simpson.
The investigation examined allegations that the officer had "conflicts of interest" which may have influenced their decision-making during the inquiry.
Katie Simpson, aged 21, died six days after being admitted to a hospital in Londonderry in August 2020.
Initially, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) treated her death as a suicide. However, Jonathan Creswell, a showjumping trainer, was later charged with her murder. Creswell died in 2024 while on trial.
The police officer who was the subject of the Police Ombudsman's investigation has not been publicly named.
'The case has now been closed'
A spokesperson for the Police Ombudsman stated:
"The complaint centred on the initial decision by police not to treat Katie's death as suspicious and alleged that the police officer had conflicts of interest which influenced that decision-making.
Enquiries, including witness interviews and examinations of investigative material, phone and email records, found no evidence of any personal connections between the police officer and other named parties.
The case has now been closed."
The spokesperson also noted that two further complaints related to Katie Simpson's murder are currently at an advanced stage with the Police Ombudsman.
'Continued shortcomings in accountability'
A law firm representing Katie Simpson's family has expressed that questions remain regarding the PSNI's investigation.
Lawyer Kevin Winters commented:
"Given the continued shortcomings in accountability and the limited scope of today's conclusions, our clients consider the outcome insufficient.
While six officers were previously subject to disciplinary recommendations, this falls well short of their expectations.
Accordingly, we have today been formally instructed to submit a review request to the Police Ombudsman seeking further examination of the unresolved issues."
The PSNI acknowledged the Police Ombudsman's conclusions concerning the officer involved.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said:
"We remain committed to learning from this case and will continue to co-operate fully with the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland in relation to any complaint."
Additional background includes that eleven years prior to Katie Simpson's murder in 2020, Jonathan Creswell was convicted of assaulting his then-partner.
A Police Ombudsman report published in 2024 found that the police investigation into Katie Simpson's murder was flawed and failed her family.
Following that report, three serving officers faced disciplinary action.
