CUMNOCK, Scotland – A gay man who was beaten, burned alive, tied to a lamppost and left to die could have been the victim of a homophobic attack.
Stuart Walker, a barman from Cumnock, was found dead by a member of the public on an industrial estate. Strathclyde Police said he had suffered “horrific” injuries.
Police would not rule out that Walker had been murdered because of his sexuality and were now closely examining all aspects of the victim’s life.
Detective Inspector John Hogg said, “Stuart had been out with friends in the Cumnock area earlier during the night and was last seen alive by a family friend near to the fire station in Glaisnock Street around 2.30 a.m. Saturday morning – nearly two and a half hours before he was found.”
It has been revealed that Walker was questioned several weeks before his death over an alleged incident involving a 12-year-old boy in August.
Police said there did not appear to be any link between the allegations and his murder.
A spokeswoman told the Press Association, “There was a report sent to the procurator fiscal in relation to an alleged indecency on a 12-year-old boy. There’s no suggestion that this incident is in any way connected to the murder.”
Police confirmed that Walker’s lifestyle is the main focus of the inquiry and that they have not ruled out a homophobic motive for the attack.
Kazza Sutherland, who used to work with Walker at the Royal Hotel said, “I can’t believe this has happened to such a great guy. I hope they catch those who did this to him. Hopefully justice will be served and I hope those who did this go to hell.”
