Couple Found Guilty of Brutal Murder in Lerwick Shock
Ross McDougall, 32, and Dawn Smith, 29, have been convicted of murdering a 40-year-old woman in a chilling attack in Lerwick. The High Court in Edinburgh handed down the verdict on Wednesday, 2 December 2020, ending a tense trial.
Tragic Crime in the Early Hours
Emergency crews were called to Ladies Drive, Lerwick, at 2:05am on Tuesday, 30 July 2019, after a woman was found outside a property. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Inspector Speaks Out
“This was a brutal attack and one that has left Tracey’s family absolutely devastated,” said Detective Inspector Stewart Andrew of Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team. “I hope this conviction has given them some sense of justice. Our thoughts remain with them at this difficult time. I would also like to thank the public for coming forward and assisting with our investigation.”
Community Reacts to Horror
“This was a harrowing ordeal for Tracey’s family, her friends and those who knew her,” said Chief Inspector Lindsay Tulloch, Shetland Area Commander. “My thoughts are with them as they continue to come to terms with what happened. I want to thank the local community for their quick actions in contacting emergency services during such a distressing time.”
She added: “Violent crime of this nature is thankfully rare on Shetland. This conviction sends a clear message — violence like this has no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Police Scotland will continue to work with the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service to ensure that offenders are brought to justice and kept away from our communities.”
