The retired Detective Sergeant behind a new Trust launched in memory of murdered Tynan showjumper, Katie Simpson has commenced a fundraising effort to help bolster the venture.
The Katie Trust – founded by Detective Sergeant James Brannigan – is an independent charitable organisation established to support families and friends who have lost a loved one in circumstances initially classified as suicide, accident, or disappearance — but where concerns and unanswered questions later emerge.
Katie was murdered – aged 21 – on August 9, 2020 by her sister’s partner, Jonathan Creswell.
Despite Creswell having abused Katie for many years, police initially treated the murder as suicide.
The Katie Trust – named in her memory – will now assist families across the island of Ireland and beyond, whether the death occurred at home or abroad, if questions remain and the original investigation falls short, the Trust will act on behalf of the family to seek truth, transparency, and, where necessary, justice.
And now, James Brannigan has opened a GoFundMe page with a mammoth £28,000 target to help fund the services – of which he has currently amassed just over £600.
Speaking to the services available, the Trust website explains: “We offer expert independent reviews of police investigations, carried out by specially selected professionals with relevant and high-level investigative experience.
“These may include retired detectives, Family Liaison Officers, and Police Search Advisors (POLSA), all matched specifically to the needs of the case. If investigative shortcomings are identified, we will advocate for the case to be elevated and revisited by the appropriate authorities.
“In cases where no foul play is confirmed, our findings may still provide grieving families with the peace of mind they deserve.”
As a a former senior investigator with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), Detective Sergeant James Brannigan is internationally recognised for his pioneering work, including leading the first “no-body” murder conviction in the island of Ireland.
Of his expertise in relation to Katie’s case, the Trust adds: “His experience and determination were instrumental in uncovering the truth behind the murder of Katie Simpson, a case that has shaped the mission and values of the Trust.”
According to a report by UTV, Katie’s family have also backed the former Detective Sergeant’s mission with her aunt, Paula Mullan saying she wants The Katie Trust to also protect young girls and women.
Speaking in an accompanying video on the Trust website, James explains: “Is a charity that has been set up in Ireland to help families who have lost loved ones through suicide, gone missing or accidents and when the family look at what has happened they believe something more sinister has taken place.
“At that point it is extremely hard for police service to investigate it as effectively as what it should be – something more sinister.
This charity was set up as a result of the murder of Katie Simpson, a talented showjumper and jockey, who was murdered by somebody close to her.
“Failings in that police investigation left the perpetrator in the midst of the family for six months because questions were not answered by police. These were questions the family and friends were raising.
“The Katie Trust will assist family and friends of loved ones who have passed away and you believe that this is due to somebody else’s involvement. If this happens we will be a charity that you can call in to look at what has happened to your loved one.
“If we find that there are questions remaining outstanding that you want answered we will show this to police and ask them to have these questions answered.
“We will look at what the police have done but we will also look at the situation and see is there any questions remaining outstanding that need to be answered. The questions that we put to the police service may lead to people being convicted. They may also show that your loved one did not die by anyone else’s hand.
“This is a charity that is required in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has the highest rate of domestic murders in western Europe, there’s a growth in hidden homicides, there’s a reduction in police numbers and a reduction in police budget.
“This is a charity that is already helping people in Northern Ireland that have lost loved ones through suspicious circumstances and one of these instances has already been elevated through murder.”
You can make a donation to The Katie Trust GoFundMe page here.
