GLASGOW, Scotland – Police Scotland is currently reassessing a number of unsolved murders of women in Glasgow following the recent trial of Iain Packer, a serial rapist and killer. Packer’s trial shed light on the levels of violence faced by sex workers in the city, particularly after he was convicted of murdering Emma Caldwell in 2005 and committing numerous other sexual and violent offenses, including 11 rapes.

Between 1991 and 1998, six women were murdered in Glasgow, causing concern that a serial killer was targeting sex workers in the city. Four of these cases remain unresolved even three decades later. DCS Paul Livingstone, the head of major crime at Police Scotland, stated that the force is actively looking into these cases.

The Packer trial brought heightened awareness to the violence endured by sex workers, prompting the cold case team to reevaluate their approach. Livingstone emphasized that these cases are still considered active inquiries until convictions are made, and discussions were underway even before Packer’s verdict was reached.

Only one of the six murdered women, Margo Lafferty, had her killer successfully prosecuted at the time. Over the years, there have been developments in some cases, such as the arrest and guilty plea of Zhi Min Chen for Tracey Wylde’s murder in 2019.

Despite challenges in bringing perpetrators to justice, Livingstone assured that investigations into the cases of Karen McGregor, Leona McGovern, and Jacqueline Gallagher are ongoing, though they now fall under the double jeopardy principle in Scotland.

During Packer’s trial, revelations of police failures in handling reports of violence against sex workers surfaced, leading to apologies from Police Scotland. Livingstone acknowledged past shortcomings but highlighted improvements in investigative methods and the meticulous review of unresolved cases.

The successful conviction of Packer and the DNA match in Wylde’s case reflect the commitment of the investigative team. Livingstone commended the extensive police work put into the case and emphasized the dedication to upholding justice.

As Margaret Caldwell, mother of Emma Caldwell, meets with Scotland’s first minister to push for a public inquiry into the delayed justice for Packer’s crimes, questions persist about the handling of past investigations and the timeline of bringing offenders to trial.