Caldwell Family to Meet Swinney Over Inquiry Leadership Concerns
The Caldwell family is set to meet with officials to discuss the inquiry into Emma’s murder and the leadership of the investigation.
Emma Caldwell, Iain Packer, Scotland, Murder Inquiry, Police Investigation
Glasgow: The Caldwell family is gearing up to meet with Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, and Justice Secretary, Angela Constance. They’re worried about who will lead the public inquiry into Emma Caldwell’s murder.
Emma was just 27 when she was killed back in 2005 by Iain Packer, a serial rapist. It took nearly two decades, but Packer was finally sentenced to life in prison earlier this year.
Last March, the Scottish Government announced a public inquiry into how the police handled the investigation. They mentioned that a judge from outside Scotland might lead it, which is something Emma’s family really wants.
However, their lawyer, Aamer Anwar, said the family feels like they haven’t received any solid reassurance on this. They’re worried there’s a push to have a Scottish judge take the lead instead.
In their statement, they expressed that the situation is so serious that only an independent judge from outside the Scottish system would be appropriate. They just don’t trust the police or the Crown Office to investigate themselves.
Next week, Emma’s mother, Margaret, along with the family and Mr. Anwar, will bring this issue up in their meeting with Swinney and Constance.
Packer was found guilty of multiple charges, including Emma’s murder and several rapes. Emma’s body was discovered in Limefield Woods over a month after she went missing.
Police Scotland has since apologized to Emma’s family and other victims for the way the original investigation was handled, admitting they were “let down.” The Scottish Government has been asked for comments on the matter.