Title: Canadian Man Convicted of Murdering Girlfriend in Scotland

A Canadian man has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend on a remote Scottish island. Aren Pearson, 41, was convicted Wednesday in the High Court in Edinburgh for the stabbing death of 24-year-old Claire Leveque. The incident occurred on February 11, 2024, at Pearson's mother’s home in the Shetland Islands, where the couple had been living.

Leveque, originally from Westlock, Alberta, was stabbed more than 25 times in the neck and chest. Pearson was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During the trial, he claimed that Leveque had stabbed herself in a drunken suicide attempt. However, the jury rejected his defense and found him guilty of murder.

The couple had met in Edmonton and moved to the Shetland Islands in October 2023. Pearson described their relationship as quickly turning “toxic” when alcohol was involved. He testified that the fatal confrontation began when Leveque overheard him expressing concerns about her drinking to her father. He claimed she attacked him first, then jumped into the hot tub and stabbed herself.

Pearson's narrative was contradicted by evidence presented in court. An autopsy revealed the extent of Leveque's injuries, and police described Pearson as controlling and violent. Detective Inspector Richard Baird stated, “The level of violence Aren Pearson inflicted is truly horrifying.” He added that Pearson's actions after the attack demonstrated a lack of remorse.

Initially, Pearson confessed to the stabbing during a 911 call, stating he had killed Leveque. His mother, who passed away in May, told police that Pearson had returned from the kitchen with a knife and later stabbed himself in the neck. She discovered Leveque in the hot tub, which was filled with blood.

Crown prosecutor Margaret Barron highlighted Pearson's admissions during the emergency call, where he stated he had stabbed Leveque “more than 40 times.” Witnesses described Pearson's behavior after the incident as erratic, with one officer recalling him saying, “Murderers are to be killed … put a bullet in me.”

Pearson's defense attorney argued that the prosecution had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the jury found sufficient evidence to convict him. The judge will determine the minimum time Pearson must serve before being eligible for parole.

Leveque's family and friends remember her as a vibrant and loving person. Her father described her as “happy, positive, and so friendly to everybody.” He expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating, “There’s no words to describe this whole situation.” Leveque's remains have been cremated and will eventually be laid to rest beside her mother in Alberta. Her cousin hopes that people will remember her for her life rather than her tragic death.