Murder trial jury told of dog walker's shotgun injuries

A man found fatally shot on a secluded path in Highland Perthshire suffered multiple wounds to his chest, arms, neck, and face, a murder trial recently revealed. The victim, 65-year-old Brian Low, was discovered on Leafy Lane near Aberfeldy on 16 February 2024. The trial involves David Campbell, 77, who faces accusations of killing Low, whom he had worked alongside at the Edradynate Estate in Aberfeldy.

During proceedings at the High Court in Glasgow, forensic testimony was presented that shed light on the circumstances surrounding Low’s death. Dr. Tamara McNamee, a consultant histopathologist, explained that she was initially tasked with conducting a single-doctor autopsy on Low’s body. At first, the death had been reported as non-suspicious, but upon examining the remains, Dr. McNamee noted the presence of a shotgun pellet container alongside the body and visible injuries to the victim’s face. Recognizing the possibility of foul play, she escalated the case, which led to a second autopsy involving two doctors.

The medical expert detailed that Low had sustained injuries from shotgun wounds to critical areas including his chest, both upper arms, neck, and face. The primary cause of death was identified as “shotgun wound to neck and chest.” Further findings included shotgun pellets in Low’s right lung, causing bruising, and evidence that he had inhaled a blood clot from his nose or mouth. When discussing the timeframe of death, Dr. McNamee confirmed that although not instantaneous, death from such injuries could occur within seconds to minutes. She added that Low was facing forward when shot and estimated that he had died approximately eight to sixteen hours before being found. Additional injuries to three major vessels in the neck meant that immediate surgical intervention would have been necessary to have any chance of survival.

The accused, David Campbell, denies the murder charge and has put forward a special defence claiming an alibi. Campbell’s defense asserts that he was at his home in Aberfeldy at the time of the killing and not at the scene on Leafy Lane where Low’s body was discovered. The prosecution alleges that Campbell showed prior malice toward Low and that he attempted to obscure the evidence by disabling CCTV cameras in Aberfeldy on the day of the crime. Moreover, Campbell faces accusations of trying to obstruct justice by disposing of the alleged murder weapon and an airgun, as well as replacing the tires on an electric bike during the months following the incident. Additional charges against him include possession of an unlicensed air rifle and multiple breaches of the peace dating back to 1995, involving disorderly conduct that put several individuals in fear.

All charges are denied by Campbell, and the trial, overseen by Lord Scott, is ongoing

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