Lee Greenan, 46, charged with murdering his ex-partner Vikki Soloman in Edinburgh, has died in prison. The Scottish Prison Service confirmed he was found dead at HMP Edinburgh on Sunday. It is understood Greenan died by suicide.
Details of the killing
Vikki Soloman, 44, died at a property on Craigievar Square in the East Craigs area of Edinburgh on Monday, July 20. Emergency services were called at around 8.45pm after she was reported to have serious injuries. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
Police launched an investigation. Greenan was arrested after walking into his local pub, the Mid Yoken, "covered in blood" and admitting to the killing. He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, charged with murder and two charges of assault, and was remanded in custody.
Pub and community reaction
Following Vikki's death, police sealed off the property on Craigievar Square and forensic officers examined the home. The Mid Yoken pub was also locked down. The bar released a statement saying: "I want to assure all that there is no danger to the community and that the incident was isolated and outwith the pub although with devastating outcome. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family."
A resident present at the pub told the Daily Record: "Lee is well known locally. He played for the local football team, Clermiston Star, and loved his football. After killing Vikki, he walked into the pub covered in blood and said he'd murdered his partner. It was shocking, like something out of a film."
Tributes and domestic violence context
A women's organisation Vikki belonged to said: "Vikki was a member of our community and last night she was killed in her home. There are no words to describe how horrific this incident is, and the trail of devastation it has left. Nearly half of women killed in Scotland are killed by a partner or ex-partner, and 89 per cent of domestic abuse happens inside the home, the place we're supposed to feel safest. Police Scotland recorded over 66,000 domestic abuse incidents last year, and campaigners say that's still only the visible part of it."
Friends described Vikki as "beautiful" and "a diamond". Lisa Mullen said: "Thoughts to friends and family! You are a diamond, a beautiful person, until we see each other again." Arlene Mill added: "You were beautiful inside and out. I'm gonna miss our wee chats putting the world to right."
Previous family tragedy
Vikki's family had previously experienced heartbreak: the father of one of her children, Chris Lindsay, died in a Costa del Sol hospital in October 2011 at age 34, five days after being found collapsed in a street. A post-mortem revealed multiple organ failure, but his family believed he was attacked. Speaking at the time, Vikki said: "We just can't believe it. We're just all numb now. I think we've been through every emotion every day."
Prison service statement
A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: "Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual. Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course."
