Teenager jailed for life for Christmas Day murder of Billy McNicholl

Jake McMillan, of Peterhouse Close, Ipswich, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on Thursday, 23 April, having been found guilty of murder by a jury on Friday, 6 February. He was also handed a seven-month sentence to be served concurrently for being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Why it matters: The sentencing closes more than a year of investigative work following the death of Mr McNicholl, known as Billy, whose body was discovered at his Hawthorn Drive home on New Year's Day 2025.

The details: Officers were called to Mr McNicholl's address shortly before 18:00 on Wednesday, 1 January 2025, by a concerned friend and a neighbour who had heard Mr McNicholl's dog, Leo, howling and believed it had been locked in a bedroom.

A Home Office post-mortem examination determined the cause of death to be head injuries and a stab wound to the right shoulder.

McMillan was first arrested on suspicion of murder on 22 January 2025, when he was 17, and bailed with conditions. He was re-arrested in July, by then aged 18, before being charged with murder and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

The evidence: The court heard that McMillan and Mr McNicholl knew each other and had been in contact between June and December 2024, primarily so Mr McNicholl could purchase drugs from the teenager.

McMillan admitted visiting Mr McNicholl's home on Christmas Day, travelling on an electric bicycle belonging to his father and remaining at the property for two hours. He denied murdering Mr McNicholl during the visit.

The prosecution's case relied on a combination of evidence:

• CCTV showed McMillan was the only person to enter the immediate area of the home that day who had not left within minutes
• Finger and palm prints, plus DNA matching McMillan's, were found in the property
• Footprints found in blood and on the victim's t-shirt and back matched trainers seen being worn by McMillan in CCTV footage
• Drone searches recovered Mr McNicholl's mobile phones from the River Orwell, close to the Sir Bobby Robson Bridge, with CCTV and GPRS data confirming McMillan had taken the route to the bridge after his visit

The clothing and trainers worn by McMillan on the day were never recovered, and the murder weapon has not been found.

McMillan's account: When re-arrested on 21 July 2025, McMillan gave a prepared statement saying he had gone to Mr McNicholl's address to collect his rucksack, which he said contained drugs he did not want his family to find at home.

He claimed the door had been open, that he went in and found Mr McNicholl dead on the floor, and that he panicked. He could not explain why he stayed for two hours but admitted that when he left, he dumped Mr McNicholl's phone in the river before going home and then on to a friend's house.

What they're saying: Detective Inspector Mark Hughes of Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team said: "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.

"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."

DI Hughes thanked Mr McNicholl's family for their support during the investigation and trial, and paid tribute to officers and staff across Suffolk and Norfolk who contributed to the case.

"A large amount of evidence for the case focussed on CCTV and drone footage that was located and secured by our technical support unit and by our house-to-house teams. Their work ensured we were able to provide a timeline of McMillan's movements that day and showed he was the only person at the crime scene and proved he had disposed of Billy's mobile phones," he said.

"Sadly, we may never know why Billy was killed, but I am pleased we have been able to prove who was responsible and ensure that McMillan was brought before the court to face justice."

No further action: Three people arrested on 1 April 2025 as part of the investigation will face no further action. A 17-year-old boy, an 18-year-old man and a 41-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Family appeal: Mr McNicholl's family have issued an appeal to locate a piece of jewellery that holds sentimental value. The item, a silver cross with a star in the middle, was pawned by Mr McNicholl before his death, and the family are keen to be reunited with the necklace.

The bottom line: McMillan will serve a minimum of 14 years, inclusive of the time already spent in custody, before he can apply for parole.

Anyone able to assist with the family's appeal should email jmit@norfolk.police.uk.