Botched robbery theory in murder
Victim was mugged weeks before
A YOUNG man discovered murdered outside a block of flats may have been the victim of a botched robbery, police investigators believe.
Jamie Johnstone is believed to have been mugged in the same area of Sandyhills, Glasgow, a few weeks before he was killed.
The 21-year-old was found dying in Balbeggie Street on Saturday evening.
It is understood residents of the tower block came to help and some even tried to revive him.
He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment but died a short time later.
Police sources have refused to rule out the possibility that Mr Johnstone was targeted by a would-be robber.
A source close to the investigation said that “nothing was being ruled out”.
His death was the second tragedy to hit his family after his mother Bernadette, 39, was murdered by Gerald McLeish in a hammer attack in 2006. Mr Johnstone’s cousin, John, also died in the attack.
Both were victims of McLeish who turned on them after being invited to join them for a drink.
Detective Inspector Mark Bell, from the major investigation team, said: “We are in the process of piecing together what has happened to this young man.
“I am appealing to people who live in the area, particularly the high-rise flats, to contact us with any information they may have.
“It’s possible someone heard or saw a disturbance and the information could prove vital in assisting our inquiries in tracing whoever is responsible for this young man’s death.
“Given his injuries we know he has been attacked, but at this stage, we don’t know why.”
Floral tributes and cards were left by devastated relatives and friends at the spot where he was discovered.
Friends and relatives paid emotional tributes to Mr Johnstone on social media yesterday.
Michelle Drew wrote: “A boy who was part of my family for four years sadly passed away.
“So Jamie, as you told me more than once, you’re with your mum.”
Another friend wrote: “Still can’t get my head round it.
“Fly high, angel, you are in a better place.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the Police Scotland major investigation team on 101. WHEN Charles and Janet McKay tied the knot, the Second World War had been over for less then three months.
And with the country still is a state of disarray, it meant luxury items such as coal and petrol were still rationed. This meant the couple, who have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, had to get married in a hotel because there was not enough coal to heat their local church.
Mrs McKay, from Inverurie, said: “Everything was rationed. You had coupons for everything. I didn’t have a wedding dress, I had a dress and coat to match.
“We don’t have a wedding photograph because you couldn’t get spools for your camera.”