A peaceful corner of Glasgow’s Carntyne has been shattered by the brutal murder of 82-year-old Elizabeth Colligan, known to everyone as Betty, a retired lollipop lady remembered fondly as a “beautiful wee soul.” What has stunned neighbours and police alike is that the prime suspect described as “dangerous” and actively hunted across the city is her own 30-year-old grandson, Grant McKinnon.

Betty was discovered critically injured on Cardowan Road in the early hours of Saturday, April 18, 2026. Emergency services responded to reports of an injured woman around 4am but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and Police Scotland immediately launched a full murder investigation.

Within hours, detectives named Grant McKinnon as the man they urgently need to trace. He was last seen in the immediate area at approximately 4am — the precise time emergency crews arrived. McKinnon has not been located since, leading police to issue a strong public warning: do not approach him. He is described as white, around 6ft tall, slim build, with a shaved head. He was last wearing a black jacket with a red hood and blue jeans.

Adding a deeply disturbing element to the tragedy, a local neighbour has revealed that only days before Betty’s death, they discovered Grant lying drunk and unconscious in the street directly outside his grandmother’s home. The sighting has left many wondering about the state of their relationship and whether alcohol or simmering family tensions played a part in the events that unfolded.

Betty had lived in Carntyne for many years and was a well-known, well-liked figure in the community. Neighbours described her as kind, gentle, and someone who always had time for others. Tributes have flooded in, with one resident calling her a “special wee woman” who did not deserve such a violent end. The retired lollipop lady had spent years safely guiding children across busy roads, only to meet tragedy on the very streets she knew so intimately.

It is understood that Grant McKinnon lived with or was closely connected to Betty, making the familial link even more heartbreaking. Police have confirmed they are following a positive line of inquiry and have set up an online portal for the public to submit information or sightings.

The rapid identification of McKinnon as the suspect and the “dangerous” label attached to him suggest investigators have compelling reasons to connect him to the crime. While full details of the attack have not been released, the speed of the response indicates significant evidence was gathered early on.

The local community remains in shock. Flowers and messages have appeared at the cordoned-off scene on Cardowan Road as residents process the loss of a much-loved grandmother. Some have expressed fear that such violence could erupt so close to home, while others have spoken of the sadness of a family member allegedly turning on his own gran.

As the manhunt continues, police have stressed that anyone who sees Grant McKinnon should not approach him but contact officers immediately. Detectives are also appealing for anyone with information about his movements in the hours before and after the incident to come forward without delay.

This case has highlighted wider concerns about the safety of elderly residents, especially those living with younger family members who may be struggling with personal issues such as alcohol. Betty’s death has prompted quiet conversations in Carntyne about support networks for older people and the need to address family conflicts before they escalate tragically.

For now, the focus for Police Scotland is clear: locate Grant McKinnon safely so that justice can be served for Betty Colligan. The investigation remains active, with forensic teams continuing to examine the scene and officers piecing together the final hours leading up to the fatal incident.

The double pain felt by the community — mourning a gentle grandmother while grappling with the possibility that her own grandson may be responsible — has left many reeling. Betty’s warm presence in the neighbourhood, once defined by her helpful nature as a lollipop lady, now stands in stark contrast to the violence that ended her life.

As more information emerges in the coming days, the people of Glasgow continue to pay their respects while hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the manhunt. The image of Grant allegedly lying drunk outside Betty’s home just days earlier lingers in the minds of many, raising painful questions about what went so terribly wrong inside this family.

Betty Colligan’s tragic death serves as a sobering reminder that domestic situations can escalate with devastating speed. As police work to bring the investigation to a close, the Carntyne community stands united in grief for a beloved local woman and in hope that answers will bring some measure of peace.