The pathologist who conducted the initial postmortem on Katie Simpson has left his post at the State Pathologist's Office. He remains registered with the General Medical Council but has held no licence to practise since January 2025. The position became vacant on April 1, 2025, was advertised in June 2025, received two applications, and was filled on January 19, 2026.

Katie Simpson, 21, from Tynan in County Armagh, died at Altnagelvin Area Hospital six days after an incident at a house in Gortnessy Meadows, Lettershandoney, on August 3, 2020. Jonathan Creswell strangled her after driving her across the border and returning to the property. He staged the scene to suggest hanging.

The initial postmortem concluded probable hanging, based in part on information from Creswell. A detective attended the examination. The pathologist asked police to contact Creswell for details after learning of suspicion in the case. Police provided updates to Creswell while Simpson remained in hospital. No forensic photos were taken of her injuries upon admission.

A second review by a Home Office pathologist identified tramline injuries on her limbs from a rod-like object, defensive wounds on her hands, and grip marks on her inner thigh. The original pathologist then revised the cause to possible hanging.

During a High Court bail hearing for Creswell, Mr Justice O’Hara stated that pathologists should base conclusions solely on medical examinations, not accounts from others. A Department of Justice spokesperson said the pathologist spoke only to police and colleagues, as per normal practice. The department declined further comment on whether he directed police to contact Creswell.

Police initially treated the death as non-suspicious. A later murder investigation led to Creswell's arrest. His trial ended in April 2024 after his death. The Department of Justice noted that attendance at the pending inquest is for the coroner to decide.

Police Ombudsman investigators found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing by a PSNI officer accused of conflicts of interest in the early investigation. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck acknowledged the findings. Solicitor Kevin Winters of KRW Law, representing Simpson's family, pointed to unclear responsibility among PSNI teams in the initial stages. Two other related complaints remain at an advanced stage.