Partygoers could help cops solve Scotland’s forgotten murder 20 years on
Police think they know who killed Darren Birt. Those who were with the 22-year-old on night he died might hold key to justice for his family
EARLIER this week, I read a tweet that piqued my interest.
It was about an unsolved case which has been described as “Scotland’s forgotten murder”.
Darren Birt was only 22 when he was beaten and stabbed to death on August 28, 2002.
He was attacked by men carrying hammers and knives in Calvay Place, Barlanark.
I couldn’t find much information on the murder from newspapers at the time and recent reports have said it’s classed as “unresolved” not “unsolved”, which in police-speak means they think they know who is responsible rather than persons unknown.
They just don’t have enough evidence to take the case to trial.
In 2020, officers said they had launched a new investigation into Darren’s tragic murder and to this day are still appealing for witnesses. Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the conviction of Darren’s killer or killers.
Darren was enjoying himself at a house party before an altercation broke out and he was chased before being brutally attacked. He died a short time later in hospital.
His murder tore his heartbroken
family apart. His dad, Brian, has campaigned vigorously for justice for his son ever since.
Three men were arrested very soon afterwards but the case fell apart before court due to lack of evidence.
Police are hoping that with the passage of time, anyone who has information is no longer experiencing loyalty or fear and will share what they know.
It’s a big gamble on their part but, at the same time, murder is actually very difficult to keep to yourself.
Someone always knows something and in this particular case it doesn’t take a genius to work out that the partygoers in the house that night might have vital information that could crack help the case and give the Birt family the justice they seek. This murder happened in the days before social media and most likely didn’t attract much attention because it didn’t involve a child or a woman or someone high profile.
It seems sad to say that murders of young men which involve knives and alcohol don’t always attract as much attention from both the media and public.
But regular readers of this column will know how strongly I believe all victims of crime deserve a voice and most importantly justice.
The Record, perhaps more than most, has championed victims’ rights in the last few years to the point we have been able to secure promises of a Victim’s Commissioner from the Scottish Government.
But a commissioner won’t be able to solve crime or force witnesses to come forward that may mean the difference between a conviction and a perpetrator walking free.
Anyone who has listened to Brian talk about the pain his son’s murder has caused cannot fail to be moved by his determination to see his son’s killers brought before a court and punished.
But he can’t do it alone. Not knowing who killed Darren, and the fact no one has been held accountable, must be a terrible torture for family and friends.
Let’s hope those who do know what happened realise it’s never too late to do the right thing.