Inquest into Newtownabbey triple tragedy expected to be held in June

Kenneth McClean-Flanagan is thought to have murdered his mother Karen McClean-Flanagan, and girlfriend Stacey Knell, in Newtownabbey in March 2021 before taking his own life

A number of preliminary hearings ahead of an inquest into the three deaths have been held at Belfast’s Laganside Courthouse since March 2025 (Liam McBurney/PA)

An inquest into the death of a man believed to have killed his girlfriend and mother in separate knife attacks is expected to be held in June.

Kenneth McClean-Flanagan, 26, is thought to have murdered his mother Karen McClean-Flanagan, 50, and girlfriend Stacey Knell, 30, in Newtownabbey in March 2021 before taking his own life.

The incident led to calls in the Northern Ireland Assembly for unified and determined action to tackle gender-based violence in Northern Ireland.

The scene at a residential property in the Derrycoole Way, Newtownabbey after police launched a murder investigation (PA)

A number of preliminary hearings ahead of an inquest into the three deaths have been held at Belfast’s Laganside Courthouse since March 2025.

Ms Knell’s next-of-kin, the PSNI and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust are all legally represented in the proceedings.

Coroner Anne-Louise Toal received an update on preparations for the inquest during a brief preliminary hearing at Belfast Coroner’s Court on Tuesday.

Ronan Daly, counsel for the coroner, said work is ongoing on disclosure of material from the PSNI, evidence and the consideration of a potential further witness.

Ms Toal referred to a “very sad and tragic case” and voiced her hope to list the inquest for hearing on the week commencing June 15.

Another preliminary hearing is to take place on February 23.