A quiet street in Glasgow’s Carntyne area has been plunged into horror after the brutal murder of 82-year-old Elizabeth Colligan, known affectionately as Betty, a retired lollipop woman described by neighbours as a “beautiful wee soul.” What makes the case even more shocking is that the man police have named as the prime suspect and described as “dangerous” is none other than her own grandson, Grant McKinnon, 30.

Betty was found critically injured on Cardowan Road in the early hours of Saturday, April 18, 2026. Emergency services rushed to the scene around 4am but could not save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and Police Scotland immediately launched a murder investigation.

Within hours, officers issued an urgent appeal to trace Grant McKinnon, who was last seen in the exact same area at around 4am — the time of the incident. He has not been seen since, prompting warnings to the public not to approach him. McKinnon is described as white, approximately 6ft tall, of slim build, with a shaved head. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a red hood and blue jeans.

Adding a disturbing layer to the tragedy, a neighbour has come forward revealing that just days before Betty’s death, they saw Grant lying drunk and unconscious in the street directly outside his grandmother’s home. The sighting has raised questions about the nature of their relationship and whether alcohol or personal tensions played a role in the events leading up to the fatal incident.

Betty lived in the Carntyne area for many years and was well-known and liked in the community. Neighbours spoke warmly of her, with one describing her as a kind and gentle woman who did not deserve such a violent end. Tributes have poured in, highlighting the profound shock felt by those who knew the retired lollipop lady.

Police have confirmed that Grant McKinnon lived with or was closely connected to Betty, making the family link even more heartbreaking. The rapid escalation from a reported disturbance to a murder investigation has left the local community reeling, with some residents expressing fear and disbelief that such violence could happen on their doorstep.

As the manhunt continues, officers are following a positive line of inquiry and have set up an online portal for members of the public to submit information. Detectives are urging anyone who has seen Grant McKinnon or has details about his movements in the hours before and after the incident to come forward immediately.

The case has drawn significant media attention across Scotland, with headlines focusing on the familial connection and the “dangerous” label applied to the missing suspect. While police have not released full details of the attack, the speed with which they identified and named McKinnon suggests they have strong reasons to link him to the crime.

This tragedy echoes broader concerns about vulnerability among elderly residents living alone or with family members who may be struggling with personal issues. Betty’s death has sparked conversations in the community about safety, support for older people, and the devastating impact of alcohol and family conflict when left unaddressed.

For now, the focus remains on locating Grant McKinnon safely and bringing him into custody so that justice can be served for Betty. Police have emphasised that he should not be approached by members of the public due to the potential risk.

As more details emerge from the investigation, neighbours continue to lay flowers and messages at the scene on Cardowan Road. The outpouring of grief reflects the high regard in which Betty was held — a woman who spent years helping children cross the road safely, only to meet a violent end in the very streets she knew so well.

The coming days will be critical as forensic teams examine the scene and officers piece together the final hours of Betty Colligan’s life. Whether alcohol, a family dispute, or other factors contributed to the fatal confrontation remains under investigation, but the image of her grandson allegedly lying drunk outside her home just days earlier has left many wondering what went so terribly wrong in this once-close family.

Betty Colligan’s death is a stark reminder of how quickly domestic situations can escalate with tragic consequences. As the manhunt intensifies, the people of Carntyne and the wider Glasgow community stand united in mourning a much-loved grandmother while hoping for a swift resolution that brings answers and accountability.