Police looking into properties linked to Penrith killer of Highland mum and son
William MacDowell was found guilty of murdering Renee and Andrew MacRae last year, but never revealed where their bodies were left.
Last updated 30th Aug 2023
Detectives have confirmed they're looking into properties linked to the killer of an Inverness mum and her three-year-old son.
Last year, William MacDowell, who previously lived in Penrith, was found guilty of murdering Renee and Andrew MacRae in November 1976.
He never revealed where he left their bodies and died in prison in February, five months after his guilty verdict.
Police Scotland say although justice was served last year, they continue with their investigation to give Renee and Andrew the "dignity they deserve."
Renee, 36, and her three-year-old son Andrew left their home in Inverness on Nov 12, 1976.
Their BMW car was discovered on fire in a lay-by near Dalmagarry later that evening.
DCI Brian Geddes says the case will never be considered resolved until they find Renee and Andrew.
He said: "Renee and Andrew’s family and friends waited decades for justice, which was served last year.
“However, their bodies have not been found and our investigation continues to explore all possible opportunities open to us to help answer that final, most important question in order to provide Renee and Andrew with the dignity they deserve.
“We continue to review the available evidence to identify any further areas of interest, while also considering whether there are any opportunities that modern technology could assist with in identifying possible deposition sites.
“This review includes considering any properties which may be linked to William MacDowell which he could have used, possibly a derelict building, an empty one or even an occupied one he had use of.
“The time scale would be the early to mid-1970s and we are hoping someone may remember seeing Renee MacRae’s BMW car in an area perhaps with MacDowell's company Volvo or the family white Range Rover.
"We are also considering possible sites where they may have met during their relationship, possible including the Blackfold area above Loch Ness, Inverfarigaig, and between Nairnside and Daviot.
“This case will never be considered resolved until we find Renee and Andrew. We owe it to the family and friends to make every effort to recover Renee and Andrew’s bodies and I would urge anyone who may be able to assist, no matter how small you may feel your information is, to come forward.”
Anyone who can assist police should contact 101.