Father and son who murdered and maimed man with blowtorch in Edinburgh flat jailed for life

A father and son who murdered and dismembered two men with a blowtorch and forced nails into one of the victims’ eyes have been jailed for at least 34 years.

WARNING: This story contains graphic content

Ian MacLeod, 66, and Dean MacLeod, 42, killed Derek Johnston, 37, in a California apartment ) and 66-year-old Desmond Rowlings. Edinburgh 2022.

A hammer was left on Mr Johnston’s head and the letters “YLT” were burned into his forehead with a blowtorch, the city’s High Court was told.

The killer cut off one of his ears and part of his nose, and drove nails into his eyes.

Mr Johnston suffered at least 28 injuries to his head, neck and limbs.

His body was found in the bathroom, covered with carpet.

Mr. Rawlings also has “VT,” “YT” and “YLT” etched on his body. The killer cut off part of his nose and upper lip, and cut off his ears.

Mr Rowling suffered 136 apparent injuries to his head, neck, chest, back and extremities. The court was told some of the injuries were collective injuries and therefore the total number of people caused was much higher.

His body was found in the living room, covered with a blanket.

During a search of the apartment, police found two blood-stained machetes, a Stanley knife and two hammers.

Lord Justice Arthurson said: “From any perspective this is one of the most serious murder cases ever heard by the High Court.”

The murders occurred at Ian MacLeod’s apartment at Greendykes House between October 30 and November 1, 2022.

The court heard Mr Johnston arrived at the apartment at around 6.15pm on October 30 and neighbor Mr Rowlings was invited to come on October 31.

Mr Rawlings’ disappearance sparked alarm as his partner tried to wish him a happy birthday the next day.

Dean McLeod, known as “Denning”, is said to have purchased two hammers, a forensic suit, plastic galoshes and goggles before the murders.

After the fatal attack, the McLeods fled the scene in their car and took methadone in an attempt to end their own lives.

The pair ended up at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where police found body parts belonging to each victim from their backpacks.

On Monday, the McLeods pleaded guilty to murder and were sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 34 years before being eligible for parole.

Lord Arthurson echoed the words of a bereaved family member, calling it a “cowardly act by a monster”.

“The way we see the world is no longer the same as it used to be”

Mr Johnston’s sister Pamela Johnston and mum Angela Couzens described him as a “brave, kind and loving soul” who loved animals, especially his dogs.

Ms Johnston added: “We loved him beyond measure and he will continue to live in our hearts and do good for others in everything we do.

“The way we see the world is no longer the same and it never will be.

“Our hearts and minds are filled with pain, destruction, heartbreak and trauma where the happiness, hopes and dreams that once existed. Our faith in humanity is shattered.

“We believe that no sentence short of the death penalty can be justified for such a cruel, calculated, callous and horrific crime.

“But today, we see these monsters jailed forever.”

The court heard that Ian MacLeod suffered from a number of health problems, including Parkinson’s disease, while Dean MacLeod had suffered from mental health problems for many years.

After the murder, police found a note in the apartment reportedly written by Dean MacLeod, which read: “What we did was evil and sadistic, but for decades I’ve been begging for help.”

Dean McLeod is said to have told a psychiatrist that his father was a “narcissist and a sociopath”, adding: “The voices in my head said do this and do that.”

Read more from Sky News:
Police found the body of the mother-of-four in her car after a search
Father fakes death to avoid paying child support

Moira Orr, prosecutor for homicide and major crime at the Crown Office and Crown Prosecution Fiscal Service (COPFS), said the “cruel and senseless” murder “has left the victim’s family devastated.” Comes unspeakable pain.”

She added: “The brutal nature of these attacks has sent shockwaves through local communities.

“While Derek and Desmond’s families will never recover from the murders of their loved ones, I hope these guilty pleas provide them with comfort that justice has been served.”