Euan Johnston: Police investigating 2016 murder launch new search for missing gun

Detectives investigating the “cold-blooded” execution of a man almost nine years ago are searching an area of land where they believe the murder weapon could have been hidden.

Euan Johnston, 26, was shot twice in the head while sitting in his car at red traffic lights in Glasgow on 15 November 2016.

David Scott was found guilty of Mr Johnston’s murder in 2018 and received a life sentence, with at least 22 years in jail.

Police Scotland detectives believe more than one person was at the scene, and the case remains open.

As part of the continued enquiries, a detailed search is taking place around 100 miles away, near the Soroba Road area of Oban, Argyll and Bute, in the hunt for the gun.

The search, in a grass embankment area near Oban Auction Mart, is expected to last several days.

Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp said: “We know from our enquiries that there was more than one person involved in the murder of Euan Johnston and we are determined to bring those responsible for his death to justice.

“Although his murder was almost nine years ago, time is no barrier for justice and we are working to get answers for Mr Johnston’s relatives.

“They have been informed of these new searches and specialist officers are supporting them during this difficult time. We will keep them updated as our investigations continue.”

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Father-of-two Mr Johnston was sitting in his Audi RS4 in Glasgow’s Scotland Street when he was targeted late at night.

During Scott’s trial at the High Court in Glasgow, jurors heard how Mr Johnston was chatting to his partner on the phone when an Audi Q5 drove alongside his vehicle and three shots rang out.

Two of the bullets hit Mr Johnston in the head. The victim suffered a catastrophic brain injury and later died in hospital.

Following Scott’s conviction, the senior investigating officer at the time branded it a “cold-blooded” murder.

As the new search gets under way, DS Sharp said: “As well as our searches, I am appealing for anyone with information, and who may not have already spoken to us, to do so now.

“A significant amount of time has passed since Mr Johnston’s murder and we understand that allegiances have may have changed over the time.

“If you have any information, no matter how insignificant, please come forward. All new information will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.”