When is the inquest for the Newtownabbey deaths?

The inquest into the deaths of Karen McClean-Flanagan, Stacey Knell, and Kenneth McClean-Flanagan is expected to begin the week of June 15.

What led to the calls for action on gender-based violence?

The suspected murder-suicide of a mother and her girlfriend by Kenneth McClean-Flanagan in Newtownabbey prompted calls for action.

Who is legally represented in the inquest for Stacey Knell's death?

Stacey Knell's next-of-kin, the PSNI, and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust are legally represented.

Home / Crime and Justice / Triple Tragedy: Inquest Set for Mother, Girlfriend, and Accused's Deaths

Triple Tragedy: Inquest Set for Mother, Girlfriend, and Accused's Deaths

6 Jan

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Summary

Inquest scheduled for June into three deaths in March 2021.
Kenneth McClean-Flanagan allegedly killed mother and girlfriend.
Calls for action on gender-based violence followed the incident.

Triple Tragedy: Inquest Set for Mother, Girlfriend, and Accused's Deaths

An inquest into the tragic deaths of a mother, her girlfriend, and the accused perpetrator is expected to commence in June. Kenneth McClean-Flanagan, 26, is believed to have murdered his mother, Karen McClean-Flanagan, 50, and his girlfriend, Stacey Knell, 30, in Newtownabbey in March 2021. He then allegedly took his own life.

The devastating incident spurred urgent calls for unified action to combat gender-based violence in Northern Ireland. Since March 2025, preliminary hearings have been held at Belfast's Laganside Courthouse, with various parties, including the victim's next-of-kin and the PSNI, legally represented.

Coroner Anne-Louise Toal recently received an update, noting that work continues on disclosing PSNI material and considering further witnesses. She expressed hope to schedule the full inquest hearing for the week of June 15, with another preliminary hearing set for February 23.