KENNETH WHEELER FROM SHOTTS SENTENCED FOR BRUTAL MURDER AND SEXUAL ASSAULT IN LANARKSHIRE

In a case that has shocked the community of Shotts and the wider Lanarkshire area, Kenneth Wheeler was convicted of a series of heinous crimes, including the rape of a 14-year-old girl, the murder of a father-of-three, Scott Mackenzie, and the attempted murder of Mackenzie’s son, Jamie. The events unfolded on June 5, when Wheeler, a 33-year-old resident of Inverkip Drive in Shotts, committed these violent acts that have left a lasting scar on the local community.

According to court proceedings, Wheeler had lured the young girl to his home by providing her with alcohol, an act that facilitated the assault. The girl later confided in her family about the rape, which prompted a confrontation that tragically escalated into violence. Mr. Mackenzie, a 41-year-old delivery driver, was among those who went to Wheeler’s residence to confront him about the assault. The situation quickly turned deadly when Wheeler, armed with a large kitchen knife covered in blood, attacked Mr. Mackenzie, stabbing him three times. One of the wounds was severe enough to damage an artery, leading to his death.

The court heard that Wheeler’s actions did not stop there. After killing Mr. Mackenzie, Wheeler proceeded to Mackenzie’s home, where he threatened to kill Mackenzie’s wife, Tracy, 39. Witnesses described Wheeler as being possessed, with one noting that he was holding a blood-stained knife and appeared to be in a state of frenzy. The violence culminated when police officers arrived on the scene. They used pepper spray to subdue Wheeler, bringing an end to the chaos.

Judge Lady Carmichael, presiding over the case at the High Court in Glasgow, sentenced Wheeler to a minimum of 22 years in prison. She emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating, “You have been convicted of the rape of a 14-year-old girl, and murder and attempted murder.” The judge condemned Wheeler’s lack of remorse and insight, highlighting the brutality of his actions and the devastating impact on the victims’ families.

During the trial, it was revealed that Wheeler had a history of sexual offending, including the rape of the young girl at his home in Inverkip Drive. The court also learned that Wheeler’s extended family has since left the area, although they continue to maintain contact with him. The victim’s family, particularly Tracy Mackenzie, recounted the profound loss they have suffered. She shared that she and her husband had been married for nearly 20 years before his life was tragically cut short. She also described the distressing incident earlier that evening, when Wheeler called her “a boring b******” after she refused to allow a teenage girl to have a can of fruit cider due to her age. The girl was later seen drinking, which added to the tension.

Further chaos erupted when a teenage witness testified that Wheeler had attempted to force his way into the Mackenzie home and was pushing Tracy Mackenzie forcefully. The situation reached its peak when Wheeler brandished a bloodied knife, threatening the lives of those inside. The police intervention was swift, and Wheeler was detained after officers used pepper spray to subdue him. Throughout the proceedings, Wheeler showed no visible emotion as he was led away to serve his sentence, leaving a community grappling with the aftermath of his violent actions.