Gabriel Brown has been found guilty of murder for the savage killing of Joseph Johnston, a crime that included stabbing the victim 22 times, severing and consuming one of his fingers, and setting the victim's flat ablaze. The High Court in Glasgow heard that the 35-year-old claimed to be possessed by the spirit of 19th-century occultist Aleister Crowley, who he alleged instructed him to take Johnston's soul.
Jurors rejected Brown's defense of mental disorder and his claims of occult possession, delivering a guilty verdict following a nearly two-week trial. Brown will learn his sentence next month, with the judge cautioning that he may never be released.
The attack occurred in November 2024 at Johnston's home in Annan, Dumfries and Galloway. Brown, who had a previous conviction for sex offenses, had not previously known Johnston. However, Johnston had been in a relationship with Brown's step-mother, and Brown reportedly targeted Johnston based on information he received about their past relationship.
Brown, who had a history of mental health issues diagnosed in his youth, consumed alcohol and cannabis before going to Johnston's home. Johnston admitted Brown, and the two initially appeared to be on good terms, even taking a photograph together. Later that night, Brown launched a violent assault on Johnston. In addition to the stabbings and the finger amputation, Brown carved letters into Johnston's face.
To conceal his actions, Brown set fires in multiple areas of the flat, including igniting furniture, turning on cooker hobs, and using a microwave with cutlery. He also disabled smoke alarms before fleeing the scene and returning to his step-mother's residence. He sent a text message that night accusing Johnston and stating 'he sleeps forever.'
During the trial, Brown stated he had no memory of stabbing Johnston but attributed the presence of the knife to Aleister Crowley, claiming they shared a body. He graphically described removing and consuming Johnston's finger, stating he 'cooked' the digit. The court heard Brown was apprehended by police while sleeping in his step-mother's attic.
Following the verdict, Detective Inspector Graeme Robertson of Police Scotland stated that Brown would face the consequences of his actions and expressed hope that the verdict would bring comfort to Johnston's family.
Lord Mulholland, who presided over the trial, excused the jurors from future jury service due to the graphic and harrowing nature of the evidence presented.