The family of a woman who was bludgeoned to death by her boyfriend while he was banned from approaching her have released an emotional statement. Joseph Greer was wearing an electronic tag when he brutally attacked Samantha Lee at his flat in Aberdeen in January. The 40-year-old confessed to a friend: "Samantha is dead. She is in the kitchen."
Murder Admission in Court
Greer admitted to a murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow today. The body of the 54-year-old mother-of-three was discovered after a friend of Greer came to his door. Samantha had been repeatedly struck with a claw hammer. The couple had been in a relationship since 2021.
In a statement, Samantha’s family said: "Today, we acknowledge the conviction of the person responsible for taking our mum’s life. No verdict can ever bring her back or erase the pain, grief, and loss our family has experienced. Our mum was a loving, caring, and valued person whose life was taken from us far too soon. Her absence is felt every day, and the impact of this crime has changed our family forever."
Previous Attack Caught on Camera
Samantha had been a victim of Greer’s violence before her death. In graphic mobile phone footage captured by a passer-by, the thug was caught on top of his stricken partner hitting her in Aberdeen's George Street last October 14. He was also seen repeatedly smacking Samantha with a handset from a public phone as she yelled in pain. Greer was arrested for that attack and appeared in court the next day. He was eventually bailed with an order not to go near Samantha and was put on a curfew requiring him to wear an electronic tag.
Fear of Death Expressed Before Murder
Prosecutor Graeme Jessop KC today said the exact time or date of the murder were not known. However, it emerged that Samantha had contacted a friend via Facebook last December 31 and said she feared Greer was "going to kill her". The mum was last seen on CCTV at a local shop on New Year's Day and had also spoken to one of her daughters on the phone.
A friend of Greer visited him at his Bedford Road bedsit on January 4. It was there the killer initially stated: "I have something to tell you." The other person went on to make the grim find of Samantha's body in the bloodbath flat. This individual was so concerned he stayed at the scene, but Greer left the block.
Forensic Evidence and Previous Convictions
The court was told Samantha had suffered a series of blunt force head injuries including fractures. No weapon was found, but Greer had earlier told a friend that he owned a claw hammer. Greer was later arrested elsewhere in Aberdeen. Forensic evidence also linked him to the murder. Mr Jessop said the killer – previously jailed for violence – had been on a total of three bail orders at the time. Greer also pled guilty to the aggravated assault of Samantha during the October 2025 street attack.
Lord Renucci is due to tell Greer the minimum he will spend behind bars when he returns to the dock on August 7 in Dundee.
Police Statement
Detective Inspector James Callander said: "My thoughts remain with Samantha’s family and friends as they continue to try to come to terms with what happened. Nothing can make up for their loss, but I hope this outcome will bring them some form of comfort. This was a shocking attack which caused concern in the local area, and I would like to thank the community for their patience and assistance throughout our investigation. Greer now faces the consequences of his despicable actions. Violence such as this is never acceptable in our communities and we will work tirelessly to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."
