Families’ heartache as 2 killed, one hurt in lockdown horror
Police charge man, 23, after ‘disturbance’
TRIBUTES have been paid to two men who died after a lockdown party turned to horror.
Emergency services and police officers raced to a firstfloor flat in Inverness at around 10pm on Thursday.
Two men – Dwayne MacLeay, 28, and Gary MacKay, 35 – died after an alleged stabbing, and a 27-year-old woman was left fighting for her life.
Last night, the families of the two men issued tributes. A spokesman for Mr MacLeay’s family said: ‘Dwayne was a kind, gentle, caring person who would help anybody. He lived to play his guitar and sing. The family request privacy at this time.’
The statement released on behalf of Mr MacKay’s family said: ‘Gary was a dearly-beloved son of Gordon and Linda, a brother of Darren and Alan, uncle and a friend to many. Gary was known by the nickname “Chunk” by many and he will be sorely missed by all. Gary was a happy and friendly person. His passion was to watch Inverness Caley Thistle, his team who he followed for many years.
‘We have been shocked by recent events and would ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time.’
A 23-year-old man is due to appear in court tomorrow charged in connection with the deaths and the injuries to the woman.
The tragic incident shocked people in the Highland capital.
Police officers used drones and combed the area around the property on Friday.
A neighbour said: ‘The ambulance count was five at one point. Four crews went in, white suits, masks, the lot.’
One man, who asked not to be named, said: ‘I think they’ve been having a party and things have got out of hand.
‘I know two people were killed and a friend of mine said there must have been at least seven or eight people there.’ Detective Chief Inspector David Hadden said: ‘Inquiries are ongoing and at a very early stage.
‘My thoughts are with the family of the deceased at this difficult time.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to stress that there is no threat to the wider community.
‘This appears to have been a contained incident, however, there will be a significant police presence in the area while our investigation continues.
‘I would like to thank local residents for their patience meantime.’
Tributes were also paid to the two men on social media.
Ann-Marie Carruthers, from Inverness, wrote: ‘RIP Dwayne MacLeay.
‘Met you through your sister in high school. Nice lad, taken far too soon. Fly high – such sad news.’
On Facebook, Sarah Jones wrote: ‘RIP Chunk. You were one of the nicest guys I had the pleasure of meeting.’