Police Ombudsman Clears Officer in Katie Simpson Murder Probe

Police Ombudsman investigators have found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by a police officer involved in the initial United Kingdom===Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) investigation into the murder of Katie Simpson. The complaint alleged conflicts of interest influenced the officer's decision not to treat Simpson's death as suspicious in August 2020. Katie Simpson, 21, died after an incident, and Jonathan Creswell, her sister's partner, was later arrested for her murder. Creswell's trial ended in April 2024 following his death. The Police Ombudsman had previously concluded in November 2024 that the initial PSNI investigation into Simpson's death was 'flawed' and 'failed the Simpson family', recommending disciplinary action against six officers. Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck of the PSNI noted the findings and affirmed the force's commitment to learning from the case. Two further complaints related to the murder are ongoing.