A family are desperate for answers after being told there was 'no criminality' in their son's death.
The family of Stefan Sutherland, 25, believe he was murdered and have campaigned for answers since the discovery of his body in the sea with head injuries in 2013.
Police Scotland launched a re-investigation into the death and have told the family they can find “no evidence” Stefan was murdered.
In 2019 the Daily Record told of the family's quest for a full investigation, below is a timeline of the case.
6.09.2013 – Stefan last seen that night in Shelligoe Road, Lybster.
17.09.2013 – Stefan’s decomposed body washed up and found by the high-water mark at Occumster.
Late September 2013 – Post-mortem report concludes Stefan did not drown and there are injuries to his face and hand family believes would be consistent with a beating.
Stefan’s family learn from community he was seen going into home of drug-dealer who beat him unconscious the previous year.
January 2014 – Council house at Shelligoe Road vacated and police carry out forensic search. Stefan’s DNA confirmed on bloodspot on wall.
January 2014 – Senior colleague of pathologist who carried out
post-mortem reviews findings and suggests drowning is a possibility but cause of death remains head injury.
2014 – 2019 – Police continue to maintain position of no suspicious circumstances.
February 2019 – Daily Record breaks the story about the family’s quest for a thorough investigation.
October 2019 – Following a series of revelations in our articles, Police Scotland announces review of case by its Major Investigation Team.
September 2021 – Family receives report and attends meeting to be told again that no evidence of criminality has been found.
