VICTIMS OF THE HOUSE OF BLOOD
MCP
Oct 19 2004
Exclusive Family tells of horror at killings
By Cara Page And Karen Bale
THE family of a pensioner found dead alongside two other men spoke of their
anguish yesterday.
Retired joiner Ian Mitchell, 67, was found slumped on a sofa in the living
room of his flat early on Sunday.
His friend Tony Coyle, 70, and David Gillespie, 42, were also found dead in
the blood-soaked flat in Dixon Avenue, Govanhill, Glasgow.
Last night, Ian's daughter Elizabeth, 40, said she could not understand
anyone wanting to kill her dad and Tony, who had been staying with him for
about 10 years.
She said she did not know David Gillespie.
Elizabeth said: 'My dad was a quiet man who worked hard all his life and
I've no idea why anyone would want to do this to him.
'This was the family home where we all grew up and Tony moved in after my
dad and mum separated.
'I didn't know the third man that died had been hangers-on in their company
for the last couple of months. We still don't know the cause of death and
are waiting for the police to tell us. We are all very upset.'
The bodies were discovered by neighbour James Sweeney, 60, who ran to a
nearby pub and asked a barmaid to call the police.
He said Ian,a father of three, and Tony appeared to have suffered head
injuries.
Officers later recovered a knife near the scene.
Retired pipe-layer Tony moved to the area from Donegal and was known as a
devout Catholic.
A close friend said: 'He grew up on a farm and went to Scotland for work
about 25 years ago. He never married or had children.
'He was a cheery little bloke who ambled about and was always happy.'
Sources said David Gillespie was also single and had only befriended the men
in recent months.
A police source said: 'We are following a definite line of inquiry.'
#Edith McAlinden, 37, yesterday appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court
charged with the murder of David Gillespie.
She is alleged to have attacked him with a knife during an incident in a
house in Dixon Avenue on Saturday.
McAlinden, of no fixed abode, made no plea or declaration.
She was remanded in custody until next week pending further enquiries.
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