Cause of death of man killed 'in most brutal way' at ancient stone circle is STILL a mystery

The cause of death of a man who was killed in the "most brutal way" at an ancient stone circle is still a mystery, an inquest has heard.

Isaac Clare-Watts, 26, was found dead at the Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire on June 22.

Szymon Babynko, a 23-year-old Polish national living in London, has been charged with murder over his death.

He is also been charged with attempted murder in relation to an incident in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, on June 25.

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Police previously said Mr Clare-Watts died "in the most brutal way" as police appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The inquest into the death was opened by Susan Evans on Monday.

She said: "I'm opening the inquest touching on the death of Isaac Clare-Watts.

"He was identified at the LRI (Leicester Royal Infirmary) mortuary by his mother Christy Clare on June 24, 2026.

"I am yet to receive the full post-mortem report."

Babynko, who denies his charge, will next appear at Derby Crown Court on September 25.

He is expected to go on trial in November this year or March next year.

Ms Evans has now suspended the inquest until the conclusion of criminal proceedings.

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She also gave her condolences to Mr Clare-Watts' family.

Detective Inspector Tony Owen, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, previously said: "A young man's life has been taken in the most brutal way so it is vital that myself and the team build up a clear picture of the exact circumstances surrounding his death."

Mr Clare-Watts, who worked as a carpenter, died in a grassland area at a summer solstice event at the early Bronze Age stone circle.

His mother paid tribute to her son in a social media post.

"We don’t have much information currently. We all know he was Isaac the wonder boy and that this will upset many. Contact is welcome but please understand we have no words or answers," she said.

The Nine Ladies Stone Circle is believed to depict nine women turned into stone as a penalty for dancing on a Sunday, according to English Heritage.

Similar to many other stone circles, it remains unclear as to why it was assembled or how it was used.

"Suggestions include a place for ceremony or burial, a territorial marker, a perceived link between the earth and the sky and the living and the dead, or a meeting place for seasonal events," the charity said.

Despite its name, the monument comprises 10 stones - with nine in a circle, and another standing 40 metres away from the others.

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