Bio

James McKay was born in 1887 in Scotland. He lived in Glasgow and maintained contact with his mother, Agnes Arbuckle, who was described in reports as elderly at the time of her death.

By 1926, McKay was residing in Glasgow and had access to both his mother’s residence and separate lodgings. 

At the time of the crime, McKay was approximately 39 years old. During later court proceedings, his defense included a plea of insanity; however, this was not accepted by the court.

Murder Story

On October 12, 1926, James McKay killed his mother, Agnes Arbuckle, at her home in Glasgow, Scotland. The exact method used to cause her death was not clearly established in surviving records. However, evidence confirmed that her body was dismembered following the killing.

After the murder, McKay attempted to conceal the crime by separating the body and disposing of the remains in multiple locations. Portions of the victim’s remains were placed inside a sack and later discovered along the banks of the River Clyde. Additional body parts were found concealed in a coal bunker at her residence.

Witness testimony played a significant role in the investigation. One individual stated that McKay had asked for assistance in moving a heavy tin trunk from his mother’s house on the day of the murder. The trunk was transported to McKay’s lodgings. The following day, the same trunk was returned to the house but was reported to be noticeably lighter.

Another witness reported seeing McKay on the day of his mother’s disappearance with visible mud on his clothing, which contributed to suspicion during the investigation.

McKay was arrested approximately three days after the murder. The case proceeded to trial at the Glasgow Circuit Court in December 1926. During proceedings, McKay entered a plea of insanity, which was rejected by the court after consideration of the evidence

He was found guilty of murder and sentenced to death. Following sentencing, he made a brief statement to family members present in court before being removed.

McKay filed an appeal, which became one of the earliest criminal appeals heard in a Scottish court. The appeal was reviewed in Edinburgh but was dismissed, with the court upholding the original conviction.

On January 24, 1927, James McKay was executed by hanging in Glasgow. The execution was carried out by official executioner Robert Baxter.