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# Police granted extra time to question teenager suspected of murdering Billy McNicholl
- URL: https://www.ipswich.co.uk/police-granted-extra-time-to-question-teenage-murder-suspect/
- Published: 2025-01-23T20:28:22.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-16T15:24:28.000Z
- Description: Detectives investigating the death of William "Billy" McNicholl have been granted an additional 24 hours to question a teenage murder suspect. The extension was approved by Ipswich Magistrates' Court on Thursday 23 January.
- Author: Oliver Rouane-Williams
- Tags: News, Crime, #article, #story-billy-mcnicholl-murder, Suffolk Constabulary, #Import 2026-03-16 14:45

**Why it matters**: The extension gives detectives crucial additional time to question the suspect in what has become a complex murder investigation involving multiple suspects.

**The big picture**: McNicholl, 63, known as Billy, was found dead at his Hawthorn Drive home on 1 January. A post-mortem examination revealed he died from head injuries and a stab wound.

![William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog](https://storage.ghost.io/c/29/1e/291e4b7f-e551-4458-b546-61963954b22f/content/images/2026/03/1736250709-billy-mcnicholl-edited-9.png)

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog

**Latest developments**:

- After an initial 12-hour superintendent's extension, officers secured a warrant for a further 24 hours of questioning time.
- The additional detention period will end on Friday 24 January.
- The 17-year-old suspect has been held at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre since his arrest on Wednesday.
- A woman in her 50s, previously arrested on suspicion of murder, remains on bail until 9 April.

**Bottom line**: Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team continues to appeal for witnesses. Anyone with information should contact police quoting reference 37/162/25, either through their Major Incident Portal or by calling 101.

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