A mum was found dead in her garage after allegedly being murdered by her own son.
Rachel Simpson’s body was discovered within the outbuilding in the Castlereagh Road area of Belfast on Friday, September 13.
Following the grim find, police launched a murder investigation with her son, 21-year-old Nathan Simpson, later being arrested.
Officers have now released a picture of Rachel after Nathan Simpson was charged with her murder.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday, September 16, that he had been released from prison seven days before the alleged incident, reports Belfast Live.
On Monday, a Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective sergeant told the court he could connect Nathan Simpson to the murder charge.
Asked if he understood the charge, Simpson replied: “Yes, your honour.”
No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody until October 14.
A defence lawyer said the case shone a light on a broader issue related to accommodation for prisoners being released from custody.
He said the defendant had been released from custody days before but attempts to secure accommodation had proven to no avail.
PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said in a statement this week: “While responding to a concern for safety at a house in the Castlereagh Road area shortly after 10.30pm on Friday, September 13, officers discovered Rachel’s body in a garage beside the property.”
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