Horror as Scot shot dead by ‘maniac’ on her doorstep in US
A SCOT has been shot dead on her doorstep after leaving her homeland for a new life in America.
Liz Sutherland, 64, was killed on Saturday night in Birmingham, Alabama.
Detectives investigating the shooting are still trying to establish a motive.
Miss Sutherland, who was originally from Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, had moved into her apartment only two weeks before she was gunned down, according to media reports.
Witnesses were said to have heard shouting and gunfire at the block on 17th Avenue South.
On Facebook, Miss Sutherland’s sister Morag Donlevy, 73, said: ‘I read and reread all the lovely condolences for Elizabeth and I cannot fathom the entire thing.
‘My mind wanders to an image that I do not want to see. We believe in the hereafter and I know for sure my sister did. So, in that respect, she is safe in the arms of the angels. For me, I am a blank right now.’
It is understood that Miss Sutherland moved to the US a number of years ago and had recently separated from her American therapist husband Edward Peterson.
Friends said she worked at Chiltribute dren’s of Alabama hospital and was studying for a degree in social work.
Posting a childhood snap online, Mrs Donlevy, of Auburn, Pennsylvania, wrote: ‘Morag age 19, Elizabeth age 10. Back in the day I took her everywhere with me. I shopped for her, slept with her and listened to her wee tales.
‘She loved to dress up. She would take mammy’s lace curtains off the window to play the bride.
‘She could put her hands to anything – knit, sew, crafts, make draperies, blinds and even cook.
‘That is the life this maniac destroyed. I hold tightly to the fact that she is the winner in the end as she is finished with this cruel world. Her soul lives on. Rest in Peace wee sis.’
A friend of Miss Sutherland paid tribute online: ‘Our days here are short and no one knows when their day will come to be called home. Liz was a beautiful person inside and out and will be missed by everyone that knew her.’
Another friend in Alabama paid to her on the US media news site Squire Gwin, saying: ‘It is a terrible, terrible tragedy.
‘She was a bright light to everyone who knew her. I just thought the world of her. She was a joy to be around. She was infectious with her whole personality.
‘Liz was just a very special person.’
Officers said the investigation was ongoing and that no motive had been established.
The Birmingham Police Department said: ‘Officers from the South Precinct responded to 2141 17th Avenue South on a report of a female screaming in the parking lot.
‘Officers arrived to find the victim lying in the parking lot unresponsive.
‘Birmingham Fire and Rescue arrived, along with the Jefferson County Coroner, and pronounced the victim deceased as a result of a gunshot wound. No suspects are in custody.
‘Investigators delayed the release of information to pursue possible leads that were developing.
‘Additional information will be released as it becomes available.’
‘No suspects are in custody’