A 17-year-old youth in Edinburgh brutally murdered 22-year-old John McNab with a knife on Great Junction Street on 2 September 2025. The teen, who was out on bail after an earlier knife attack on a 16-year-old at Portobello beach, waited in hiding before chasing and repeatedly stabbing Mr McNab. The violent assault prompted a police investigation at the High Court in Edinburgh, revealing troubling bail decisions and raising safety concerns.
Brutal Attack In Leith
The youth wore a balaclava during the murder and ambushed Mr McNab, who pleaded: “Please, please don’t. I haven’t done anything.” CCTV footage shown in court captured the relentless stabbings, prompting some of the victim’s family and friends to leave in distress. After the attack, the killer messaged a friend boasting about chasing and stabbing Mr McNab.
Youth Previously Released On Bail
Earlier that year, on 21 March, the same teen severely wounded a 16-year-old boy with a knife at Portobello promenade after a social media event turned violent. Despite this attack, he was granted bail by a sheriff in April. The court heard the youth was detained in a secure unit following the murder charge.
Tense Drug Deal Encounter
The fatal stabbing followed an arranged meeting for the youth to buy cannabis from a friend of Mr McNab. A dispute broke out when one of Mr McNab’s friends destroyed the cash offered for the drugs and slapped the youth. Mr McNab was uninvolved, but the youth pursued him and his friends, even smashing a flat window and brandishing a large knife.
Severe Injuries And Fatal Wounds
Mr McNab’s stab wound penetrated about 10cm into his abdomen, severing vital arteries and causing fatal bleeding. Despite 40 minutes of advanced life support efforts, he died at the scene. Police recovered a hunting knife bearing the victim’s blood and the youth’s DNA.
Court Proceedings Continue
The youth, diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and complex PTSD, admitted to murder and the March assault. Judge Lord Harrower has deferred sentencing until next month at the High Court in Dundee, also considering a BBC request to lift reporting restrictions on the youth’s identity.
