Aberfeldy Murder Suspect Brands Police Investigation a 'Monumental Shambles'
David Campbell, a 77-year-old former gamekeeper accused of murdering his ex-colleague Brian Low, has launched a scathing attack on the police investigation into the case, labeling it a "monumental shambles" during his testimony at the High Court in Glasgow. Campbell faces charges related to the alleged shotgun killing of 65-year-old Low on a remote track near Aberfeldy, Perthshire, on February 16, 2024.
Defendant Questions Motive and Police Blunders
Campbell, who has pleaded not guilty to eight charges including murder, told jurors on Wednesday that he last had contact with Low in 2017, questioning why he would wait years to commit such an act. "Why would I wait all that time if I was going to do something like that?" he stated. "He never did anything to me, why would I want to do such a thing."
The court heard that Police Scotland initially treated Low's death as a "medical event," despite the victim suffering gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. This critical error meant the crime scene was not sealed off and forensically examined until days after Low's body was discovered on February 17, 2024.
Referring to images of Low's bloodstained face shown to the jury, Campbell asserted, "They made a monumental shambles of the whole investigation. To say after the pictures I have seen and to hear that it was a non-suspicious death is ridiculous."
Alibi Defense and Arrest Details
Campbell has lodged a special defense of alibi, claiming he was at home during the alleged shooting. Both men previously worked at Edradynate Estate, where Campbell served as head gamekeeper and Low as a groundsman before retirement.
Jurors were informed of Campbell's arrest at his Aberfeldy home on May 24, 2024. He described being in the toilet without clothes when a female officer "burst into the room" along with Detective Constable David Budd. When asked about being handcuffed to the woman, Campbell said it felt "not good" and admitted it affected his mood during subsequent police interviews, leading him to say "a lot of things I should not have said."
Questionable Movements and Technological Confusion
Prosecutors allege Campbell disabled CCTV cameras at his home in an attempt to conceal his whereabouts. An agreed timeline shows he placed duct tape over his doorbell camera twice on February 16, 2024, at 7:35 AM and 11:10 AM, and his home CCTV system was shut down at 10:09 AM.
Campbell explained he mistakenly believed he had two doorbell devices and covered the rear one to track a "missing" front device, thinking it had been stolen. He admitted, "It had to be me" regarding the CCTV shutdown, describing himself as a "dinosaur" with technology and adding, "I certainly didn't mean to switch it off."
On the day of the alleged murder, Campbell left his home twice, visiting a property he owned and a bowling club with a friend, and made a phone call to Perth and Kinross Council in the afternoon. He claimed to have spent around seven hours reviewing CCTV footage on February 15-16, 2024, due to his confusion over the doorbell.
Workplace Tensions and Alleged Lies
Crown witnesses testified that Campbell suspected Low of trying to "set him up" regarding wildlife offences after dead birds were found on the estate. Campbell admitted to spreading "absolute lies" about Low planting rat poison at his home, claiming he was "ordered" to do so by his former boss, Michael Campbell (no relation), who threatened job and housing loss.
Campbell described Michael Campbell as a "mega bully" who wanted to get rid of Low but couldn't simply fire him due to different times. In a police statement, Michael Campbell said David Campbell's 2017 departure was "not on good terms," while Low left "on very good terms" with a car and money as gifts.
Charges and Trial Proceedings
Campbell is accused of discharging a shotgun at Low, causing fatal injuries, and attempting to defeat justice by disposing of the alleged murder weapon, gun bag, an airgun, and other items. He also faces five breach of peace charges from 1995 to 2012 and a charge of possessing an airgun without a certificate from 2017 to 2024.
The trial, presided over by Lord Scott, continues as Campbell maintains his innocence, vehemently denying any involvement in Low's death. The case highlights significant scrutiny over Police Scotland's initial handling and the complex interpersonal dynamics at Edradynate Estate.