Bio

Andrew Walker was born in 1954. He grew up in Scotland. His childhood details are not widely known. However, he eventually joined the British Army and became a soldier in the Royal Scots regiment. Andrew served for several years and participated in three tours to Northern Ireland. During his early military career, he earned a mention in dispatches, demonstrating some level of commendation for his service.

As time went on, Andrew Walker began to have difficulties in the army. He faced disciplinary issues that affected his work and relationships with his fellow soldiers. Reports from his colleagues described him as a liar and a braggart, making it clear that he was not very popular among them.

By the time of the events in January 1985, Andrew Walker was dealing with financial problems. He owed money on a car bill, which added pressure to his life. He was about to take delivery of a new car that was quite expensive. These financial struggles may have contributed to the choices he made later.

At the time of the incident, Walker was 30 years old. His commanding officer warned him about his behavior, suggesting that he needed to change or he could end up in prison. This warning signified the serious path his life could take if he did not correct his course.

Murder Story

On January 17, 1985, Andrew Walker killed three of his Army colleagues, citing a payroll robbery as his motive. The victims were retired Major David Cunningham, Sergeant Terence Hosker, and Private John Thomson. They had picked up a £19,000 payroll from a bank in Penicuik and were on their way to Glencorse Barracks.

Walker, who was a corporal in the Royal Scots, used a sub-machine gun that he had signed out from an army armory. He forced the three men to drive away from the bank. When Sergeant Hosker tried to tackle him, Walker shot him in the chest. He then directed Private Thomson to a quiet area near a reservoir. There, he shot Major Cunningham in the head. Walker ordered Thomson to help unload the bodies before shooting him in the head and abdomen. After the murders, the money was never found and is believed to be buried in the hills.

Following the crimes, Walker left behind clues in the deep snow. Law enforcement conducted a manhunt and arrested him three days later. Walker’s defense during the trial was that he was not at the scene of the murders and that a terrorist organization was responsible. He also claimed that the evidence linking him to the crime was planted.

While in custody, Walker shared a cell with another prisoner named Andrew Lowden. Lowden reported that Walker had threatened him and had confessed to the murders in detail. Lowden was later called as a witness in Walker's trial. Walker was found guilty of murder, theft, and attempting to obstruct justice for trying to blame the IRA in a letter. The judge sentenced him to life in prison, recommending that he serve at least 30 years. In 2002, his sentence was reduced to 27 years after he argued for equal treatment compared to other murderers.