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The independent investigation into the tragic death of 44-year-old Vikki Soloman in Edinburgh has entered a critical stage, with official scrutiny turning toward institutional interactions prior to the fatality.
Emergency services were initially called to a residential property in Craigievar Square, located within the East Craigs district, at approximately 8:45 PM on Monday, 20 July 2026. Upon arrival, officers discovered Ms. Soloman suffering from severe physical injuries; she was pronounced dead at the scene shortly thereafter.
Following the event, the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) officially confirmed that Police Scotland had received contact regarding the involved parties prior to the date of the killing.
Raymond Brown, Head of Investigations at PIRC, stated to journalists: "Our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected following the tragic death of Vikki Soloman in Edinburgh on 20 July 2026. We are investigating the police contact that was made prior to this date and will report our findings to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service in due course."
The directive for the independent review was formally issued by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS). A spokesperson for COPFS explained to journalists: "COPFS has instructed PIRC to carry out an independent investigation into the circumstances of the death of a 44-year-old woman in Edinburgh on 20 July 2026. A report will be submitted to COPFS following the investigation by PIRC."
Custodial Death Alters Judicial Proceedings
The primary suspect in the case, 46-year-old Lee Greenan, was formally arrested by investigating officers and made a preliminary appearance before Edinburgh Sheriff Court. During the court appearance, he entered no plea to charges of murder, assault, and assault to injury, after which he was remanded in custody pending further judicial proceedings.
However, the legal proceedings encountered an abrupt shift when Greenan was found deceased inside his cell at HMP Edinburgh at approximately 8:55 AM on Sunday morning.
Police Scotland officers subsequently confirmed that there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death in custody.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Prison Service informed journalists: "Every death, whether in prison custody or in our communities, is a tragedy for all those who knew and supported the individual. Following the death of someone in our care, Police Scotland are advised, and the matter reported to the Procurator Fiscal. Fatal Accident Inquiries are held in due course."
With the primary suspect deceased, criminal prosecution against Greenan cannot proceed, redirecting the statutory focus toward mandatory administrative and judicial inquiries.
Family Response and Statutory Reviews Ahead
In an official statement released through Police Scotland, the family of Ms. Soloman expressed their profound grief while affirming their resolve regarding the overall process.
The family stated to journalists: "The loss of a devoted mother has left an irreplaceable loss. Furthermore, news of the passing of Lee Greenan, the man charged with her murder, is another bitter blow to the family. We remain determined to pursue justice for Vikki after she died so young and in such tragic circumstances."
As reported by Daily Dazzling Dawn, the forthcoming stage of the process rests upon two parallel statutory procedures. First, PIRC will finalize its comprehensive findings regarding Police Scotland’s pre-incident logs, risk assessments, and operational responses, delivering its conclusions directly to COPFS. Second, the Scottish Prison Service and the Crown Office will initiate a formal Mandatory Fatal Accident Inquiry (FAI) to establish the full timeline and circumstances surrounding Greenan's death while in state custody.
Together, these official findings will determine whether institutional protocols were properly executed or if systemic adjustments are required across law enforcement and custodial frameworks.
