Initial assessment of dog walker's death as non-suspicious with gunshot injuries
- Last update: 02/07/2026
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- Crime
Authorities initially treated the death of 65-year-old Brian Low, found with gunshot injuries beside a rural track in Aberfeldy, as non-suspicious. His dog remained nearby while police later confirmed the injuries required a full criminal investigation.
During a murder trial, court testimony revealed that the death of a man who sustained gunshot injuries was initially assessed as non-suspicious. The victim, Brian Low, aged 65, was discovered on the morning of 17 February 2024, lying on the grass beside a track on Leafy Lane, in the rural area of Aberfeldy, Perth and Kinross. Low’s black Labrador, Millie, was present near him and remained close to her owner. The discovery was made by an acquaintance of Low.
Police officer PC Andrew Beattie responded to the scene and observed that Low’s body had been partially covered with a blanket and jacket. Beattie noted visible blood on Low’s face and hands, describing the condition as concerning. Following protocol, he contacted his supervisor before notifying the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Beattie confirmed that at the point of his initial assessment, Low’s death was categorized as non-suspicious, and he submitted a corresponding death report.
The court reviewed multiple graphic photographs depicting Low’s body at the scene, including blood visible on his face. Beattie assisted Detective Constable Mark Chance in photographing the scene after consulting with witnesses and contacting Low’s partner, Pamela Curran, at her workplace to inform her of the death. Beattie stated that had the injuries been identified as gunshot wounds immediately, the area would have been secured as a crime scene. However, the scene was only treated as such after further investigation.
Details Regarding Injuries
PC Beattie acknowledged that the presence of blood on Low’s face and hands initially made it difficult to ascertain the nature of his injuries. Defence lawyer Tony Lenehan KC pointed out that later photographs revealed multiple points of injury caused by gunshot pellets, which were not evident at the scene. Detective Constable Mark Chance testified that he initially believed Low’s injuries were consistent with a fall during a walk and only later determined that this assessment was incorrect.
Accused and Legal Proceedings
David Campbell, 77, has denied murdering Brian Low and has submitted a special defence claiming an alibi. He faces eight charges at the High Court in Glasgow, including the murder of Brian Low, attempting to obstruct justice by disposing of an alleged murder weapon and an airgun, disabling CCTV cameras in Aberfeldy on the day of the incident, possessing an air rifle without a licence, discharging the weapon on multiple occasions, and five counts of breach of the peace dating back to July 1995. The breach of the peace charges involve causing fear or alarm to three men and two women.
Campbell’s legal team maintains that he was at his home in Aberfeldy at the time of the killing and not present at Leafy Lane. This forms the basis of the alibi defence presented in court.
Background Information
The court heard that Low and Campbell had previously worked together on the Edradynate Estate in Aberfeldy. The prosecution claims that Campbell had exhibited ill-will toward Low prior to the incident. Evidence presented during the trial included attempts by Campbell to conceal his location, such as disabling CCTV cameras and replacing tyres on an electric bike between February and May 2024, actions cited in the charges relating to obstructing justice.
Trial Progress
The trial is ongoing before Lord Scott at the High Court in Glasgow. Jurors are reviewing evidence and witness testimony concerning the circumstances of Low’s death and Campbell’s alleged involvement. The proceedings focus on establishing the sequence of events, the nature of the injuries, and the credibility of the alibi defence submitted by the accused.
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- Alleged shotgun murder initially treated as non-suspicious death, court told - The Standard
- 30 shotgun pellets in body ruled non-suspicious by police who thought victim fell - upday
- Constable challenged on ‘glaring mistake’ after shotgun death, murder trial told - Yahoo News UK
- Dog walker's gunshot death initially deemed non-suspicious
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Chloe Ramirez
Chloe Ramirez is a journalist experienced in social media and PR. She focuses on cultural and educational projects and excels at creating engaging content.
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