Police in new appeal over gun murder on victim’s birthday

Police investigating the murder of a man have made a fresh appeal for information on what would have been his 27th birthday.

Jordan Gray, 26, was found dead in a flat in Shields Court in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, on December 15 after being shot.

His family described him as a “loving and doting father and son”, adding in a statement they are “devastated” by his death.

Detective Superintendent Grant Hendry, of Police Scotland’s major investigations team, said the force is “focused on getting answers” for Mr Gray’s family.

He said Saturday is an “extremely difficult” day for the family, with specialist officers providing support on what was Mr Gray’s birthday.

Making a fresh appeal for information, Mr Hendry said the local community may know who is responsible for the killing.

He said: “We are focused on getting answers for Jordan’s family and tracing who is responsible for his death.

“Today, Saturday December 27, would have been Jordan’s 27th birthday. It’s an extremely difficult time for his family. They’re being supported by specialist officers and have requested their privacy is respected.

“We have a dedicated team of major investigation and local officers working on this inquiry, using all available resources.

“While we’re conducting CCTV and forensic investigations, I would like to appeal directly to the compassion of the community. Please, if you have any information on who is responsible for Jordan’s death, come forward and report it to us. It may be this information is known in the local area.”

Police are currently trying to trace a person seen on Shields Court at about 10.35pm on Sunday December 14 – they day before Mr Gray’s body was discovered.

The person was wearing a dark jacket, with the hood up, and dark trousers, and they could be “vital” to the investigation, with anyone with information about who it might be urged to contact officers.

Mr Hendry added: “I’d like to thank everyone who has come forward with information so far. Identifying this person seen on Shields Court is vital to our investigation. If you believe this may have been you seen wearing the dark clothing, come forward to allow us to eliminate you from our inquiries.

“I want to reassure the public, we’re doing everything we can to trace who is responsible.

“I understand such a shocking incident has an impact on the community and we’ll continue to have an increased police presence in the area. Anyone with concerns or information can approach officers.”

People can pass information to the police online through the Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT25S44-PO1, by calling the 101 non-emergency line, or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.