Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Location: Emma Caldwell’s body was found in Limefield Woods, 40 miles south-east of Glasgow, on 8 May 2005. The 27-year-old sex worker had last been seen in the city centre more than a month earlier.
Senior Officers Dismissed Suspect
Police missed the chance to catch Emma Caldwell’s killer in the months after her murder because senior officers repeatedly dismissed him as a suspect, BBC Scotland can reveal.
Former Detectives Speak Out
Four former detectives who were involved in the earliest stages of the inquiry say evidence of his violent, abusive and predatory behaviour was known to police from the start of their investigation. But they say senior officers told them not to pursue the suspect and instead wrongly built a case against four Turkish men – who were then cleared.
Discovery of New Evidence
Iain Packer has now been found guilty of Emma Caldwell’s murder, almost 19 years after her body was discovered. The case was one of Scotland’s most high-profile unsolved murders until a BBC Scotland investigation paved the way for Packer’s arrest.
Uncovering the Truth
Retired Det Con Stuart Hall took a statement from Packer for the first time on 22 June 2005, just weeks after Emma’s body was discovered. Packer initially denied knowing Emma or using prostitutes, but multiple witnesses identified him in connection with the case.
Failure in the Investigation
Despite multiple accusations and evidence against Packer, no charges were brought against him initially. The focus of the investigation shifted to four Turkish men, leading to a wrongful arrest based on mistranslated conversations.
Long Road to Justice
It took over 19 years for Iain Packer to be arrested and convicted for Emma Caldwell’s murder. The delay in justice was attributed to the failure of the police investigation, leaving a dangerous predator free to continue his crimes for many years.
Lessons Learned
Police Scotland has acknowledged the shortcomings in the initial investigation and subsequent reinvestigation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough and unbiased police work in solving crimes and delivering justice.
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