HORRIFIC WEST LOTHIAN MURDER: ATTACKER GETS LIFE FOR WIFE’S BRUTAL KILLING
A man has received a life imprisonment sentence after being found guilty of murdering his estranged wife at her residence in West Lothian while their two children were asleep upstairs.Erhan Havaleoglu, who is 36 years old, was convicted of killing Leighanne Cameron, aged 29, through strangulation and stabbing in Mid Calder on 28 October 2015.
He is mandated to serve at least 20 years before he can seek parole.
The High Court in Glasgow, presided over by Judge Johanna Johnston, described the murder as a 'cruel, merciless, and extremely violent' act, highlighting the profound devastation inflicted on her family, especially her young children.
The killing was reportedly triggered after Havaleoglu learned that Leighanne had entered into a new relationship.
According to her new partner, Philip Kilkenny, Havaleoglu had threatened her, saying she would 'never get to love another man.' During the trial, the defense suggested that a discussion involving one of his children served as a significant catalyst that pushed him beyond his usual behavior, implying it was a trigger for the deadly assault.
The court also heard that Havaleoglu had previously been accused of assaulting three other women but had been acquitted of those allegations.
Detective Chief Inspector Raymond Brown commented on the case, describing Leighanne’s death as devastating and noting that Havaleoglu refused to accept responsibility despite clear evidence against him.
The incident underscored the tragic and violent circumstances of her murder and the enduring trauma experienced by her family and loved ones.
