A 19-year-old has been locked up for 14 years after being found guilty of murdering William “Billy” McNicholl at his Ipswich home on Christmas Day 2024.
Victim Found Dead on New Year’s Day
Police discovered the body of 63-year-old Billy at his Hawthorn Drive house around 6pm on New Year’s Day. He had suffered fatal head injuries and a stab wound to his shoulder. Neighbours alerted police after hearing Billy’s dog howling and getting no response at the door.
Evidence Pins Murder on Teen
- Jake McMillan, 17 at the time, denied the murder but was convicted at Ipswich Crown Court in February.
- CCTV showed McMillan arriving at the victim’s home on an electric bike and being the only person inside.
- Bloodied footprints on Billy’s t-shirt matched McMillan’s trainers from the footage.
- McMillan admitted visiting Billy’s house that day but claimed he only went to collect a rucksack containing drugs.
- He admitted panicking on finding the body and dumping mobile phones in the River Orwell to cover his tracks.
- Neither the murder weapon nor McMillan’s clothes from the day were ever recovered.
Police Comment on Tragic Case
“This is a tragic incident where a family have lost a loved one in horrific circumstances during a period which should be reserved for peace and happiness,” said Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of Suffolk Police’s Major Investigation Team. “A young man will now face a long period behind bars and life as a convicted murderer, knowing he was responsible for the death of another person. His imprisonment leaves his family having to face their own loss.”
