Man who killed his mother with crossbow ordered to remain in hospital

A man who used a crossbow to kill his mother has been ordered to remain in hospital.

Daniel Parker, 37, killed 78-year-old Margaret Parker at their home in Fernieside Crescent in Edinburgh on 21 May 2024.

The High Court in Edinburgh heard Parker had also fired the crossbow at his sister, Deborah McGlashan, and neighbour, Sarah Manifold.

He had faced charges of murder, attempted murder and a firearms accusation at a hearing in March, but he was acquitted after prosecutors accepted he was suffering from a serious mental health condition at the time.

The court previously heard how Parker had told police officers that the “devil” made him attack his mother.

At the High Court in Glasgow, judge Lady Ross followed recommendations from medical professionals to impose compulsion and restriction orders.

This means Parker will remain at Carstairs State Hospital indefinitely.

The hearing was told he has a delusional disorder which dates back four years.

He had moved in with his mother in February 2023 and his mental health went on to noticeably deteriorate.

Prosecutor Margaret Barron told the court how Parker would not take his medication, believed a gang was “out to get him” and that his mother had poisoned his food.

He also thought that cameras were tracking his movements in their home.

The court previously heard how Parker’s sister had gone to the house on the morning of the attack to help with chores.

He then appeared clutching the crossbow and said: “Right, you have to tell me what is going on now.”

He continued to rant before firing the weapon at his sister, who suffered a minor cut to her chest.

Ms Barron said he also shot at his neighbour before turning the crossbow on his mother who he shot in the torso.

The advocate depute said: “When Deborah McGlashan made her escape, she heard another bolt being fired and her mother screaming.

“Parker fired multiple crossbow bolts at Margaret Parker while he was alone with her and also stabbed her multiple times.”

When the paramedics arrived, they could hear Parker’s sister shouting: “Help her, she has been shot.”

Police, including firearms officers, arrived soon after and forced entry to the house.

They discovered Parker in an upstairs cupboard and he admitted his guilt when he was arrested.

He added: “I did this because of the devil.”

Ms Parker was found lying unresponsive on a bed and could not be resuscitated.

She had suffered a number of crossbow bolt wounds to her neck and torso among other injuries.

Ms Parker was described in court as a “much-loved grandmother” who generally kept in good health before the tragedy.

The court heard how Parker told police that he believed his family had betrayed him and his life was like the Jim Carrey film The Truman Show – where a man’s life is revealed to be a fictional TV show.

Psychiatrist Dr Caitlin O’Leary said Parker should be subject to compulsion and restriction orders due to concerns which included a history of “accumulating weapons”.

Lady Ross acknowledged that the “horrific” nature of what happened will have left relatives badly affected.

The judge also imposed a non-harassment order banning Parker from approaching or contacting his sister for an indefinite period.