A murder investigation is underway in Motherwell after a 26-year-old man, who had recently become a father, was shot and killed in his own home in what police describe as a targeted attack.
A Family's Devastating Discovery
Jordan Gray was discovered by family members at his flat on Shields Court in the Muirhouse area of Motherwell on the afternoon of Monday, 15 December. The horrifying find was made by his cousin, Samuel Durnion, 27, after the young man's mother noticed the door appeared to have been forced open.
Samuel recounted the traumatic moment he found his best friend. "I went in and found him lying on the couch," he said. "I thought he was asleep but his eyes were open. I started screaming his name to wake up but when I touched his face I realised he was cold." Upon pulling back a cover, he saw evidence of a shotgun wound. "There was blood everywhere," he added.
Police Hunt for Hooded Suspect
Police Scotland believe the fatal shooting occurred between Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning. A post-mortem examination confirmed Mr Gray died from a firearm injury, leading detectives to treat the death as murder.
Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry of the Major Investigation Team stated that extensive enquiries are ongoing. Officers are urgently appealing for information about a person seen in the Shields Court area around 10.35pm on Sunday night. The individual was wearing a dark jacket with the hood up and dark trousers.
A neighbour's Ring doorbell camera captured footage of the incident, which has been handed over to detectives. An online portal has been established for the public to submit information directly to the investigation team.
A Family Broken by Grief
Jordan Gray's heartbroken family have spoken of their anguish. His father, John Lindsay, described him as a "loving and doting father and son" and pleaded for anyone with information to contact police.
His mother, Lynn Gray, said: "We as a family are devastated at the loss of Jordan. We would appreciate some privacy and time to grieve. If anyone has any information please come forward." Samuel Durnion spoke of the family's trauma, revealing that Jordan's mother had to be held back by police in her desperate attempt to reach her son.
Local Area Commander, Chief Inspector Steven Conn, sought to reassure the community, calling the incident "shocking but rare" and confirming an increased police presence in the area. Anyone with information is urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting reference 2147 of 15 December, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
