Full Breakdown
Murder at Nine Ladies Stone Circle: Investigation into Death of Isaac Clare-Watts
6/25/2026, 12:38:19 PM
The Incident
On Monday 22 June 2024 at 13:38 BST, emergency crews responded to the Nine Ladies Stone Circle in Stanton Lees, Derbyshire, where a 26-year-old man was found dead. Police later identified him as Isaac Clare-Watts, a Nottingham joiner. A 41-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. The Derby Mountain Rescue Team assisted the East Midlands Ambulance Service.
Background
The Nine Ladies is a small early Bronze Age monument, about 4,000 years old, traditionally said to depict nine petrified women and a “King Stone”. The site hosts annual summer-solstice gatherings; this year’s celebrations occurred on 21 June and attracted many visitors over the weekend of 19-23 June.
Key Figures & Timeline
- Victim: Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, a qualified joiner employed by Frank Goulding Ltd, recently returned from travel.
- Suspect: 41-year-old male, name withheld, held on murder suspicion.
- Lead Investigator: Det Insp Tony Owen, East Midlands Special Operations Unit.
Timeline: 19-23 June – solstice festivities; 22 June 13:38 – body discovered; later that day – victim identified and suspect arrested; 22-23 June – police opened a major-incident public portal (MIPP) and appealed for witnesses; 24 June – police announced continued investigation and increased presence.
Official Statements & Police Appeal
Derbyshire Police, led by Det Insp Tony Owen, called the death brutal and urged anyone present between 19 June and 23 June, or anyone with video or dash-cam footage, to contact officers via the MIPP or by calling 101. The force noted that specialist officers are supporting the victim’s family and that a heightened police presence will remain in the area in the coming days.
Verbatim Quotes
- “a young man’s life has been taken in the most brutal way” — Det Insp Tony Owen, EMSOU
- “Our thoughts are with the man’s friends and family at this difficult time.” — Derby Mountain Rescue Team
- “This is why we urgently need to speak to everyone who was at the scene over the weekend.” — Derbyshire Constabulary
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Initial reports said the deceased was “not yet formally identified,” while later updates named Isaac Clare-Watts. No information on the suspect’s motive, forensic findings or the precise circumstances of death has been released, leaving key gaps.
Impact & Next Steps
The death has raised concerns about safety at large heritage-site events. Police have pledged a continued heightened presence and continue to review video, dash-cam and forensic evidence. The major-incident portal stays open for tips, and investigators say further updates will follow as the inquiry advances.
