The death of a beauty business owner murdered by her violent ex-partner is being investigated by the police watchdog after it emerged officers were contacted before the killing.
Vikki Soloman, 44, was fatally stabbed in her home on Craigievar Square in Edinburgh. Police found her body at around 8.45pm on July 20. Her former partner, Lee Greenan, 46, was charged with murder last week but was found dead in his cell at HMP Edinburgh at the weekend. His death is believed to be a suicide.
Watchdog investigation launched
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has confirmed it has launched an investigation into the conduct of officers in the lead-up to the mother-of-two's death. A woman close to Vikki, who asked not to be named, said it would be an unthinkable tragedy if the force could have done more to protect her from Greenan.
She said: “Vikki had ended the relationship with him and he just refused to accept it. He had lost the plot in the days leading up to the murder and was completely deranged. If the police were aware of this then something has obviously gone seriously wrong. If they missed the chance to stop this murder from happening then that is tragic and unacceptable.”
Police contact and events after the murder
A spokesperson from the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner said: “We are investigating the circumstances leading to the death of a woman, aged 44, in Edinburgh on 20 July 2026 following police contact. A report will be submitted to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course.”
Police cordoned off the property on Craigievar Square last week, and forensic officers were seen searching the home. A car advertising Vikki's business, Vikki Soloman Aesthetics, was parked in the driveway behind a police cordon. A single bouquet of flowers was also seen laid against the garden fence.
Shortly after the death, Greenan walked into his local pub, The Mid Yoken, covered in blood and confessed to the killing. The pub, just over a mile from Vikki's home, was locked down and guarded by police. A local who was at the pub told the 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.”
Arrest and further developments
Greenan was arrested and appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on July 23, charged with murder and two charges of assault. He made no plea and was remanded in custody at HMP Edinburgh, but prison bosses confirmed his body had been found at the jail at the weekend.
In a statement released through Police Scotland, Vikki's family said his death was a 'bitter blow' but vowed to continue to seek justice. They said: “Following the heartbreaking loss of Vikki Soloman, her family is deeply moved and overwhelmed by the wave of love and supportive messages which brings great comfort at this devastating time. The community's solidarity provides the family great strength as they feel the profound loss and grief of losing Vikki, taken so young and in such tragic circumstances. The loss of a devoted mother has left an irreplaceable loss. Furthermore, news of the passing of Lee Greenan, the man charged with her murder is another bitter blow to the family. The family remains determined to pursue justice for Vikki. Their primary focus now is on her two children and are committed to ensuring they are safe, supported and surrounded by their mother’s lasting legacy of love.”
A woman's network Vikki was involved with released a statement about domestic violence following her death. It 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.”
