Serious Violence including Homicide

Major Investigations

In December 2022, US Authorities formally notified Police Scotland that Abu Agila Masud, suspected of being involved in the Lockerbie Air Disaster in 1988, had been extradited to the USA from Libya.

The bombing of Pan Am 103 and the terrible loss of 270 lives has had a profound impact in Lockerbie, right across Scotland, and internationally. 

Following this development, Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham and the Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain KC led a delegation from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service and Police Scotland to Washington, to meet with the US Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and the Director of the FBI.  DCC Graham met a number of the victims’ families, and reiterated our unwavering commitment to bringing those responsible, to justice.

On 8 February 2023, Abu Agila Masud appeared at court in Washington charged with two counts of destruction of an aircraft resulting in death, and a further count of destruction of a vehicle resulting in death.   He pled not guilty to all three charges, and will appear at court later in February.

Murder of Jacqueline Kerr - Aberdeen

On Monday 16 January, the body of Jacqueline Kerr was found by police responding to a concern for person call at an address in Aberdeen.  Following investigation by detective officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team a 43 year old man was arrested in connection with her death and appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court on 18 January charged with her murder.

Jacqueline’s death is a tragedy for her family and my thoughts remain with them at this difficult time.  The incident also had a significant impact on the community in Aberdeen and I thank everyone for their support during our enquiries.

Murder of Bennylyn and Jellica Burke

On Monday 6 January, at the High Court in Edinburgh, Andrew Innes, 52 years old, was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 36 years, following his conviction for the murders of Bennylyn Burke and her two-year-old daughter Jellica in Dundee.    

Police Scotland had been made aware of significant concerns regarding their safety and an immediate policing response was initiated, led by officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team supported by Dundee City Division.  Tragically, their bodies were discovered within a property on Troon Avenue, Dundee.

I wish to thank everyone involved in bringing Andrew Innes to justice, and to Bennylyn and Jellica’s family for the courage they have shown throughout.

Murder of Jeanna Maher

On Wednesday 26 September 2018, Jeanna Maher was found dead in her home in Drumchapel, Glasgow.   Following an investigation by Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team, supported by colleagues from SPA Forensic Services into the circumstances surrounding the death, her husband Peter Maher, was charged with her murder and remanded in custody. 

In 2019, Peter Maher was assessed as unfit to stand trial. Prosecutors later re-raised proceedings against him and on Wednesday 14 February 2023 at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Peter Maher was convicted of his wife’s murder.

Our thoughts remain with families who have lost a loved one.  We will continue to focus on prevention and investigative activities to ensure that Scotland remains a safe place to live.