Menu
02/03/2009
Another Death Probed Over Dentist Murder Case
Investigations into the affairs of a murder-accused dentist have been given a further twist.
Police have confirmed they are investigating another death in connection with Colin Howell, who has already been charged with two murders.
They said that the death of Alexandra Hickman-Smith, 27 - who was found dead in a caravan in Castlerock last November - is now being probed.
Her family was told at the time that she had died from diabetes. However, police said the death was "not being treated as suspicious at the moment".
The investigation team is looking into the death of the mother-of-two who was found on the same caravan site where Colin Howell had been staying after leaving his luxury home and current American wife in Castlerock.
Her body was found by police at her caravan at Sea Road when her mother raised the alarm after she failed to return home to Carrickfergus from a weekend trip.
Mr Howell, 50, from Castlerock, is already charged with murdering his wife Lesley and RUC officer Trevor Buchanan.
Their bodies were found in a fume-filled car in Castlerock in May 1991, an at the time, a coroner's court ruled that both had committed suicide.
Mr Buchanan's former wife Hazel Stewart is also charged with the murders.
Detectives are also re-examining the death of Lesley Howell's father, Henry Clarke, who died five days before his daughter's death - apparently from a heart attack or some form of seizure.
A police spokesman said on Monday their investigation remained focused on the double murders but "a number of lines of enquiry are being conducted into a range of other issues and events".
Mr Howell, of Sea Road, Castlerock, has also been charged with indecent assault and administering an overpowering drug with intent to commit indecent assault on dates between March 1998 and December 2008.
(BMcC/JM)
Police have confirmed they are investigating another death in connection with Colin Howell, who has already been charged with two murders.
They said that the death of Alexandra Hickman-Smith, 27 - who was found dead in a caravan in Castlerock last November - is now being probed.
Her family was told at the time that she had died from diabetes. However, police said the death was "not being treated as suspicious at the moment".
The investigation team is looking into the death of the mother-of-two who was found on the same caravan site where Colin Howell had been staying after leaving his luxury home and current American wife in Castlerock.
Her body was found by police at her caravan at Sea Road when her mother raised the alarm after she failed to return home to Carrickfergus from a weekend trip.
Mr Howell, 50, from Castlerock, is already charged with murdering his wife Lesley and RUC officer Trevor Buchanan.
Their bodies were found in a fume-filled car in Castlerock in May 1991, an at the time, a coroner's court ruled that both had committed suicide.
Mr Buchanan's former wife Hazel Stewart is also charged with the murders.
Detectives are also re-examining the death of Lesley Howell's father, Henry Clarke, who died five days before his daughter's death - apparently from a heart attack or some form of seizure.
A police spokesman said on Monday their investigation remained focused on the double murders but "a number of lines of enquiry are being conducted into a range of other issues and events".
Mr Howell, of Sea Road, Castlerock, has also been charged with indecent assault and administering an overpowering drug with intent to commit indecent assault on dates between March 1998 and December 2008.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 November 2024
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
Police Ombudsman Issues Appeal Regarding West Belfast Arrest
An appeal for witnesses regarding the arrest of a man in west Belfast has been issued by the Police Ombudsman. The man was arrested by police in the Beechview Park of the Falls Road at approximately 1am on Sunday, October 6.
20 November 2024
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
Hard-Hitting Road Safety Message Delivered To Young People
Over 800 young people from schools in Lisburn and Castlereagh attended a hard-hitting road safety message at the PSNI Road Safe Roadshow on 19 November. The roadshow, supported by AXA Insurance and the Northern Ireland Road Safety Partnership, aims to educate young drivers about the dangers of irresponsible driving.
19 November 2024
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
Police Appeal After Arson Attack In Newtownards
Detectives have renewed an appeal for information following a deliberate arson attack at a vacant property in the Weaver's Grange area of Newtownards. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 17 November, 2023. Police and firefighters were called to the scene at around 12:40am.
19 November 2024
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
Two Arrested After High-Speed Police Chase In West Belfast
Two men have been arrested following a high-speed police chase in west Belfast early Monday morning. At around 2:30 AM, police spotted a white Volkswagen Golf traveling at excessive speed on the Westlink.
18 November 2024
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
Man Arrested After Dangerous Driving Pursuit And Assault Allegations
A man is currently in police custody following a dangerous driving pursuit and subsequent arrest on suspicion of multiple offences. The incident began in the early hours of Saturday, 16th November, when police received a report of an assault in the Listooder Park area of Saintfield.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A mostly dry evening and night with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive, especially in the south. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
