Vikki Soloman, 44, was found dead at a property in Edinburgh on Monday, July 20, and Lee Greenan, 46, was charged with her murder before being found dead at HMP Edinburgh days later
A man charged with murdering his ex-partner in Edinburgh has died in prison. Vikki Soloman, 44, died in the East Craigs area of the capital last Monday, July 20.
Emergency services were called to a property on Craigievar Square at around 8.45pm after she was reported to have serious injuries. But after paramedics arrived at the scene she was tragically pronounced dead.
Police launched an investigation and Lee Greenan, 46, was arrested after walking into his local pub “covered in blood” and admitting to the killing. He appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, charged with her murder and two charges of assault and was remanded in custody.
The Scottish Prison Service confirmed he had been found dead at HMP Edinburgh on Sunday. It is understood Greenan died by suicide.
Following Vikki’s death, police sealed off the property on Craigievar Square and forensic officers were seen examining the home. The Mid Yoken pub, just over a mile away, was also locked down and guarded by police as part of their investigation, reports the Daily Record.
The bar released a statement the following day confirming they were closed while police carried out their enquiries and passed on their best wishes to Vikki’s family. A spokesperson said: “I want to assure all that there is no danger to the community and that the incident was isolated and outwith the pub although with devastating outcome. Our thoughts and condolences are with the family.”
A resident who was present at the Mid Yoken when Lee arrived told the Record: “Lee is well known locally. He played for the local football team, Clermiston Star, and loved his football.
“After killing Vikki, he walked into the pub covered in blood and said he’d murdered his partner. It was shocking, like something out of a film. It is tragic how this has played out. The families and friends of Vikki and Lee are in shock.”
Throughout the police inquiry, a vehicle promoting Vikki’s enterprise, Vikki Soloman Aesthetics, could be spotted parked in the drive behind a police barrier. A solitary bunch of flowers was also visible placed against the garden railings.
The mother operated her beauty business in Edinburgh, specialising in bespoke skincare treatments. Her loved ones have been left heartbroken by the news, with tributes pouring in across social media.
A women’s organisation Vikki belonged to issued a statement regarding her death concerning domestic violence. It said: “Vikki was a member of our community and last night she was killed in her home. There are no words to describe how horrific this incident is, and the trail of devastation it has left.
“Nearly half of women killed in Scotland are killed by a partner or ex-partner, and 89 per cent of domestic abuse happens inside the home, the place we’re supposed to feel safest.
“Police Scotland recorded over 66,000 domestic abuse incidents last year, and campaigners say that’s still only the visible part of it. If any of this feels close to home, if you’re scared, or something doesn’t sit right, reach out.”
Vikki was described as “beautiful” and “a diamond” by those who knew her. Lisa Mullen said: “Thoughts to friends and family! You are a diamond, a beautiful person, until we see each other again. You will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Arlene Mill added: “You were beautiful inside and out. I’m gonna miss our wee chats putting the world to right. Can’t take this in. Thoughts are with all the family.”
This isn’t the first heartbreak to strike Vikki’s family. The father of one of her children perished in puzzling circumstances in Spain 15 years ago.
Chris Lindsay died in a Costa del Sol hospital aged just 34 in October 2011 – five days after he was discovered collapsed in a street. The dad-of-three, who had been on a trip to Calahonda with workmates, became separated from a colleague during a night out.
A post-mortem revealed he died from multiple organ failure – but Chris’s family believed he was attacked. Speaking at the time, Vikki said her partner had been working hard to provide for their son and his death had left the family bereft.
She said: “We just can’t believe it. We’re just all numb now. I think we’ve been through every emotion every day. I think some answers would help us, just give us a little bit more peace. I got a phone call saying he was in hospital in Spain and that he was critical and we had to get out there. I was shocked, I didn’t believe it.
“Chris was working to try to build a future for us and it’s all been taken away. We have been left with nothing and we have got no answers. I still can’t get my head around it. We all talked ourselves into believing it was all going to be OK, that he was going to pull through, and we still can’t believe it.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service stated: “Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual.
“Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course.”
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