Killer who murdered Aberdeen scientist Brenda Page dies in jail

The man who murdered scientist Dr Brenda Page in Aberdeen nearly 50 years ago has died.

After dodging justice for decades, Christopher 'Kit' Harrison was convicted in March 2023 for the brutal killing of his 32-year-old ex-wife in 1978.

According to the Scottish Prisons Service, Harrisson died on Saturday (October 3rd) at HMP Grampian aged 85.

Harrisson forced entry to Dr Page's Aberdeen flat, which she had moved to after fleeing their abusive marriage, and killed her by striking her on the head and body.

Her body was discovered on July 14, 1978 by a concerned colleague and a neighbour.

Harrisson spent decades denying his crime but prosecutors from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) were able to disprove him using DNA examination and forensic techniques.

Biological samples taken from the sheets of Dr Page's bed were re-examined using state-of-the-art analysis.

At the time of his conviction, Dr Page's family said they were "delighted" with the verdict, adding it has brought "justice" for an "extremely kind, intelligent woman (who had) her whole life ahead of her".

A jury found Harrisson guilty after hearing evidence that Dr Page was terrified of her former husband and had told associates she feared he would one day kill her.

Letters written detailed some of the abuse and in one, Dr Page asked her lawyer to ensure she receive a thorough post-mortem examination should she ever die suddenly.

Harrisson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum jail term of 20 years.

In a statement released through Police Scotland in 2023, Dr Page's family said: "We as a family are absolutely delighted with the verdict.

"Not a day goes by when we don't think about Brenda and the horrendous ordeal she must have suffered that night.

"Brenda was an extremely kind, intelligent woman with her whole life ahead of her. It hurts us to think of the great things she would have undoubtedly achieved.

"Forty-five years is a long time to be at liberty whilst the family have endured such tragedy, sadness and loss.

"Reliving these events over and over again each time Brenda's case was re-investigated or publicised in the media was difficult to say the least.

"We extend our sincerest thanks to Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team (MIT) in Aberdeen and Crown counsel and COPFS for keeping Brenda's case open and tirelessly pursuing the justice today has brought."

Also at the time of conviction, Detective Inspector Gary Winter added: “Brenda was never forgotten and hope remained that one day her murderer would face the consequences of his actions. For Brenda’s family, colleagues, friends and everyone who has worked on this case over many years, that day is finally here.

"Various improvements in available evidence since 1978 allowed the investigation to progress to trial.

"Part of this is down to a better understanding of domestic abuse and abusive relationships which has helped us highlight what Brenda went through over many years.

"I would like to thank all those who have assisted with our investigation and in particular those who helped at the time of the murder and the friends and colleagues we revisited during our most recent investigation, many of whom have sadly passed away."