A man has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering his girlfriend by stabbing her at least 26 times in a remote house on a Scottish island. Aren Pearson, 41, was found guilty of killing 24-year-old Claire Leveque in the Sandness area of Shetland on February 11, 2024. The High Court in Edinburgh heard that Claire was discovered with 26 stab wounds in a hot tub at Pearson’s mother’s home, with 19 of the wounds on her face and neck.
Originally from Canada, the couple had moved to Scotland in 2023. The fatal attack occurred after a period of domestic abuse inflicted by Pearson on Claire, whom he professed to “love.”
Following the incident, Pearson admitted to emergency services and medical staff that he had caused Claire’s fatal injuries. Despite his confessions, during the trial, he falsely claimed that Claire had self-inflicted the wounds, causing distress to her family members who traveled from North America to hear the details of her injuries.
After a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Pearson was found guilty of murder and assault, receiving a life sentence with a minimum of 25 years in prison. The court also heard a recording of a 999 call made by Pearson’s mother, Hazel, who reported the incident.
Speaking after the verdict, Detective Inspector Richard Baird described Pearson’s actions as “truly horrifying” and highlighted evidence of a violent and controlling relationship with Claire. Chief Inspector Chris Sewell emphasized the impact of the incident on the local community and expressed support for efforts to combat violence against women and girls in Shetland.
Hope Ingram paid tribute to Claire, remembering her as a vibrant person who cherished life. She expressed relief that they can now focus on honoring Claire’s memory rather than dwelling on the tragic event.