Inmates at Monster Mansion Prison Celebrate Death of Child Killer Ian Huntley
Cheers and football-style chants erupted inside HMP Frankland, the high-security prison nicknamed Monster Mansion, as news spread that double child killer Ian Huntley had died. The 52-year-old, who was convicted for the murders of 10-year-old girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002, passed away on March 6 after being attacked in a prison workshop on February 26.
Widespread Celebration Among Prisoners
According to prison sources, Huntley was among the most despised inmates at the County Durham facility, with prisoners regularly demanding three cheers each morning for Anthony Russell, the convicted murderer who allegedly battered Huntley with a metal bar. The source revealed that inmates would shout "is he dead yet" followed by celebrations for Russell, and when confirmation of Huntley's death circulated, there was significant celebrating throughout the prison.
"Huntley was loathed by virtually all of the prisoners inside Frankland," the source stated. "He was arrogant, thought he was special and almost behaved like a celebrity. No one inside Frankland will be mourning his loss."
Details of the Fatal Attack
The attack occurred in a workshop at HMP Frankland on the morning of February 26, where Huntley was left unconscious in a pool of blood after being bludgeoned. He was rushed to hospital with serious injuries, and after brain scans confirmed he was in a vegetative state, medics switched off his life support on March 6. His mother Lynda, 71, was present at his bedside.
Sources report that Russell battered Huntley no fewer than 15 times while shouting "I've done it! I've killed him!" as prison officers surrounded him. The Sun newspaper, which first broke the news of the assault, reported that Huntley was knocked unconscious by a metal pole with a spike, with a source alleging his "head was split in two."
History of Violence Against Huntley
This was not the first violent attack Huntley faced during his imprisonment. In 2010, robber Damien Fowkes attacked him with an improvised weapon at Frankland, causing a severe 7-inch (18cm) gash to his neck that required 21 stitches. Fowkes later asked a prison officer "Is he dead? I hope so," labeling Huntley a "notorious child killer."
Before his transfer to HMP Frankland, Huntley was held at HMP Wakefield in West Yorkshire, where he was scalded with boiling water by serial killer Mark Hobson. A source commented: "Huntley had been attacked loads of times in prison so the day he was killed was always likely to arrive."
Official Responses and Investigation
Durham Constabulary confirmed that a man attacked at HMP Frankland had died in hospital and that a police investigation into the circumstances is ongoing, with a file being prepared for the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson stated: "The murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman remains one of the most shocking and devastating cases in our nation's history, and our thoughts are with their families."
Prison sources emphasized that even among inmates who have committed horrible crimes, Huntley was particularly targeted due to his perceived arrogance and celebrity-like behavior. "No one who has dealt with him is shedding a tear," a source told The Sun, noting that even Huntley's mother had accepted his death as for the best given his condition.
