The documentary "Murder Trial: Death Of A Dog Walker" has drawn attention for its unvarnished portrayal of a murder investigation, including footage that police likely would have preferred to keep heavily edited. The BBC two-part series, reviewed by Christopher Stevens, highlights initial errors by Police Scotland in the handling of the case.
In February 2024, officers responded to a call in rural Perthshire and discovered the body of a 65-year-old man, identified as Brian Low, in a field. The initial report from the responding officer described the death as a "medical episode," despite the victim's face being severely injured. The officer's testimony in court revealed he suspected the injuries were from a fall.
This initial assessment was maintained for six days, even after the discovery of shotgun pellets upon the body's examination in the mortuary. It was later confirmed that Low had been killed by a double-barreled shotgun. Further complicating matters, the victim's partner, Pam Curran, initially provided police with an incorrect timeline due to her grief-stricken state, stating she had seen him after returning from a work shift. This misdirection led investigators to check alibis for the wrong day and meant the remote location where Low was found was not initially preserved as a crime scene.
These procedural missteps provided a significant advantage to the defense. The chief suspect in the case was identified as David Campbell, a retired gamekeeper. Campbell's demeanor in court, which included eye-rolling and smirking, was noted as potentially unfavorable to the jury.
Scottish law permits the filming of trials, but the footage is typically unremarkable. However, "Murder Trial: Death Of A Dog Walker" utilized editing to create dramatic tension, offering unique perspectives, such as framing the suspect through the spectacles of an expert witness. The review awarded the documentary four out of five stars.