Glasgow woke to horror on Monday afternoon when 61-year-old James Greenhorn was brutally stabbed on a quiet Tollcross street and left to die in broad daylight. Neighbours who knew him as the friendly, waving grandad are reeling as police confirm a 30-year-old man is now in custody charged with murder.
Quiet Street Turns into Murder Scene
The attack happened around 12:25pm on Dalness Close, a small cul-de-sac lined with red-brick homes that most people describe as peaceful.
James was making his way along the street when he was set upon and stabbed multiple times. Paramedics fought to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives immediately treated the killing as targeted and launched a major murder investigation. Forensic teams in white suits remained on site for over 48 hours, combing gardens and wheelie bins for evidence.
Neighbours Speak of Gentle Man Who Always Waved
People living on Dalness Close told reporters James was the definition of a good neighbour.
“He never bothered anybody,” said Sinclair Manson, who has lived opposite the cordon since Monday. “Just a quiet guy who always gave you a wave or a hello. This has shaken everybody.”
Another resident, too scared to be named, added: “You feel safe here. Kids play out on the street. To think someone could do this in the middle of the day… it’s terrifying.”
James Greenhorn was simply walking home when his life was taken in seconds.
Daughter Spared Court Appearance After Father’s Murder
In a heartbreaking twist, James’s daughter Shannon Greenhorn, 29, was due in Glasgow Sheriff Court just days after the killing for sentencing on unrelated charges.
Her solicitor Ian McClelland told Sheriff Joanna McDonald that Shannon had been with him when she learned her father had been murdered.
The sheriff immediately excused her from attending and adjourned the case, telling the court: “This is clearly an exceptional and tragic situation.”
Breakthrough as Suspect Arrested
Police Scotland confirmed on Wednesday evening that a 30-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder.
He is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Thursday morning.
Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with James’s family at this devastating time. I would like to thank the local community for their patience and assistance.”
Officers have also stepped up patrols in Tollcross to reassure residents.
This is the second murder in the east end of Glasgow in less than a month, following the fatal shooting of Marc Webley on New Year’s Eve.
Detectives say there is no evidence linking the two cases.
James Greenhorn’s death has ripped through a tight-knit community that never expected violence on their doorstep. Flowers now pile up where he fell, next to messages from grandchildren who will never see their papa again.
As the 30-year-old accused prepares to face court, neighbours are left asking the same question: why would anyone take the life of a harmless 61-year-old man who harmed no one?
Rest in peace, James. Tollcross will never forget you.
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