Teen Charged with Murder After Man, 63, Found Dead in Ipswich

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An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of 63-year-old William “Billy” McNicholl, whose body was found at a home in Ipswich on New Year’s Day. The suspect, Jake McMillan, of Banbury Road, Hackney, and formerly of Ipswich, was re-arrested on Monday and formally charged with murder and being concerned in the supply of cannabis, Suffolk Police have confirmed.

McMillan was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre (PIC) for further questioning before being remanded in custody. He is due to appear before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. The charges mark a major development in a months-long investigation that began after Mr McNicholl was discovered dead inside a residence on Hawthorn Drive on January 1.

A Home Office post-mortem later revealed that Mr McNicholl had died from a combination of head injuries and a stab wound to his right shoulder. Suffolk Constabulary’s Major Investigation Team immediately launched a murder inquiry.

McMillan, who was 17 at the time of his initial arrest on January 22, had been questioned and released on conditional bail pending further inquiries. His re-arrest and formal charging come after weeks of investigative work by detectives.

In a related development, three additional arrests were made on April 1. A 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man, and a 41-year-old man were all detained on suspicion of assisting an offender and involvement in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs. They were also taken to Martlesham PIC for questioning and later released on bail, with a return date set for October 1.

Meanwhile, a woman in her 50s who had previously been arrested on suspicion of murder has now been released without charge. Police confirmed she will face no further action.

Detectives continue to appeal to the public for any information that could support their investigation. The case has raised broader concerns over youth violence and the apparent reach of drug networks into towns like Ipswich. In response, Suffolk Police have increased patrols in the area and reiterated their commitment to tackling organised crime and supporting affected communities.

The investigation remains active, and further updates are expected as legal proceedings move forward.