Teenager charged after elderly couple found dead at West Lothian home on Boxing Day

A teenager is due in court tomorrow (Wednesday) after an elderly couple were found dead in their home on Boxing Day.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The bodies of Denis and Mary Fell, both aged 73, were discovered by officers at the couple’s house in Raeburn Rigg, Livingston, on Sunday, around 11.40pm.

A 19-year-old man was arrested and is due to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court tomorrow in connection with their deaths.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Houliston, of Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr and Mrs Fell and everyone affected by this tragic incident.

Denis and Mary Fell, both 73, were found dead at their home in Livingston on Boxing Day. PIC: Contributed.Denis and Mary Fell, both 73, were found dead at their home in Livingston on Boxing Day. PIC: Contributed.
Denis and Mary Fell, both 73, were found dead at their home in Livingston on Boxing Day. PIC: Contributed.

"A continued presence may be seen in the area as officers continue with their enquiries but this was a contained incident and there was no risk to the wider public.

Police were called to the property, which sits in a quiet area of the town, after receiving a report of a sudden death.

Officers forced their way into the house to find the bodies of the couple inside.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Shocked Neighbours said Mrs Fell was a wheelchair user and had a dedicated disabled parking spot outside their property.

Police have arrested a 19-year-old man after two people were found dead at an address in West Lothian on Sunday.Police have arrested a 19-year-old man after two people were found dead at an address in West Lothian on Sunday.
Police have arrested a 19-year-old man after two people were found dead at an address in West Lothian on Sunday.
Read More
1,300 assaults on NHS Lothian staff in a year

One described Mr and Mrs Fell as a ‘very caring couple' and said their deaths had left the area in ‘a state of complete shock’.

She added: “They really were devoted to one another.

"You’d see Mr Fell pushing his wife out to the car in her chair and being very caring around her. They were both very caring, friendly and modest people.

Tragedy: Denis and Mary Fell were found dead in their home in Livingston on Boxing Day.
Pic: ContributedTragedy: Denis and Mary Fell were found dead in their home in Livingston on Boxing Day.
Pic: Contributed
Tragedy: Denis and Mary Fell were found dead in their home in Livingston on Boxing Day. Pic: Contributed

"This has shocked everybody living here. You hear of these things happening but never thing it will be right on your own doorstep.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another neighbour, who said he had known Mr Fell for more than a decade, said: “Denis was a really nice guy.

" He was pretty humble and meek, the sort who would never cause any problem for anyone. God only knows what went on inside their house on Boxing Day. We know who the police took away but would rather not say their name publicly out of respect for Denis and Mary. They at least deserve that.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.