Twin brothers snared over death of Scots charity cyclist after key find at makeshift grave

Twin brothers apprehended over the death of a Scottish charity cyclist have been implicated after a crucial discovery was made at a makeshift grave. Alexander and Robert McKellar were convicted after forensic expert Lorna Dawson utilized rhododendron leaves and wood chips to assist in proving their involvement in the demise of Tony Parsons. The incident unfolded when Alexander McKellar, who was under the influence, fatally collided with cyclist Tony Parsons, 63, on the A82 near Bridge of Orchy in September 2017. Following the collision, Alexander and Robert McKellar transported Parsons’ body to a remote estate and concealed it in a “dead hole,” typically used for disposing of animal remains.

The body of Mr. Parsons, a grandfather from Tillicoultry, Clackmannanshire, went undiscovered for three years until 2020, when Alexander McKellar led his former girlfriend, Caroline Muirhead, to the shallow grave. Ms. Muirhead then alerted the authorities. Despite the brothers’ denials, Professor Dawson’s expertise in soil forensics unveiled crucial evidence linking the McKellars to the crime scene. She identified rhododendron leaves and wood chips near Parsons’ body that matched samples taken from a farm where the McKellars had access.

Her meticulous analysis revealed that the leaves and wood chips found at the burial site shared a common origin with those from the farm. Further comparisons with wood chips near a biomass boiler at the farm corroborated this link, establishing a substantial connection between Parsons and the McKellars’ farmyard environment. Alexander McKellar eventually confessed to culpable homicide and received a 12-year prison sentence, while his brother, Robert, was sentenced to five years and three months for attempting to obstruct justice.

Professor Dawson emphasized the significance of the soil and botanical evidence, describing it as a pivotal component of the case that ultimately led to the brothers’ guilty pleas. She recounted the moment when Mr. Parsons’ body was unearthed, expressing pride in the role her team played in facilitating the recovery and repatriation of Parsons’ remains to his family. The BBC documentary, “Expert Witness,” delves into the intricate forensic work that culminated in the apprehension and conviction of the McKellar brothers.

In her extensive career, Professor Dawson’s expertise has proven instrumental in solving intricate criminal cases through forensic analysis. Her dedication to uncovering the truth behind such tragedies serves as a testament to the invaluable role of forensic science in delivering justice and closure to victims and their families. Through her unwavering commitment to her work, Professor Dawson continues to make significant contributions to the field of forensic investigation, ensuring that no detail is overlooked in the pursuit of truth and justice.