An inquiry into the death of Andrew McKinlay, a Scottish killer who was found dead in his prison cell in July 2021, has revealed that the cause of his death was bronchopneumonia. McKinlay, 47, had been serving a minimum of 15 years in prison for the murder of Josephine Steele, a mother-of-three whom he stabbed to death at her Glasgow home. The High Court in Edinburgh heard during McKinlay’s murder trial in 2015 that he had left Ms. Steele with multiple stab wounds and other injuries before staying with her body for five days.
After McKinlay’s death, prison guards discovered him lying face down in his cell with a small pool of blood around his head. NHS staff confirmed that he had already passed away, and there was no possibility of medical intervention. McKinlay had a history of health issues, including hernia surgery in 2018 and complaints of shortness of breath prior to his death. Despite being offered an ECG and x-ray, he had refused medical attention.
During his sentencing, McKinlay was described as having launched a “sustained attack” on Josephine Steele in a drug and alcohol-fuelled rage. The court highlighted the brutality of the killing and McKinlay’s callous conduct, emphasizing that Ms. Steele had trusted him and deserved to feel safe in her own home. McKinlay had attempted to conceal the smell of the body by purchasing bleach and air freshener before eventually moving out of the property.
The tragic discovery of Josephine Steele’s body was made approximately two weeks after the murder, highlighting the disturbing nature of the crime. The fatal accident inquiry into McKinlay’s own death shed light on his declining health, indicating ongoing health issues that were not adequately addressed during his time in prison. This case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals in vulnerable situations.