Police search for gun involved in Glasgow murder nine years ago

Glasgow Times

8 hours ago

Detectives probing the brutal murder of Euan 'EJ' Johnston in 2016 are carrying out searches near the Soroba Road area of Oban, it has been revealed.
The 26-year-old was fatally shot during a targeted attack while he sat in his motor on Scotland Street in Glasgow, on November 15, of that year.
Johnston died from his injuries. Following that, on May 10, 2018, a 33-year-old man was convicted of his murder at the High Court in Glasgow.
Euan Johnston (Image: Police Scotland)
READ MORE: Euan Johnston shooting: Man found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison
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(Image: Newsquest) According to cops, more than one person was at the scene of the murder, and the case remains open.
Due to this, officers have said investigations have been continuing, and a team of detectives, specialist officers, and national resources are now carrying out detailed searches in a grass embankment area where a firearm possibly connected to the murder could be situated.
(Image: Newsquest) Police are also appealing for any new information which may help them get justice and answers for Mr Johnston's family.
The search near Oban is expected to last several days, with the force saying there will be an increased police presence in the area.
(Image: Newsquest) Detective Superintendent Peter Sharp said: "We know from our enquiries that there was more than one person involved in the murder of Euan Johnston, and we are determined to bring those responsible for his death to justice.
"Although his murder was almost nine years ago, time is no barrier for justice, and we are working to get answers for Mr Johnston's relatives.
"They have been informed of these new searches, and specialist officers are supporting them during this difficult time.
"We will keep them updated as our investigations continue.
"As well as our searches, I am appealing for anyone with information, and who may not have already spoken to us, to do so now.
"A significant amount of time has passed since Mr Johnston's murder, and we understand that allegiances have may have changed over the time.
"If you have any information, no matter how insignificant, please come forward.
"All new information will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated.'
READ MORE: Euan Johnston shooting: Court heard how 'EJ' died from 'catastrophic head injury'
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(Image: Newsquest) A Police Scotland spokesperson added: "Anyone with information should contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting reference 0741 of Monday, July 7, 2025.
"Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
(Image: Crown Office) Following the murder, we reported how two friends were driving home after a meal in the city's Southside.
The driver of the Audi RS4, Euan Johnston, was on the phone to his partner, 33-year-old Danielle Carruthers, to let her know he was heading home.
Johnston was waiting at traffic lights when an Audi Q5 pulled up alongside his car at the junction of Shields Road and Scotland Street in Kinning Park.
A man then stepped out and opened fire with three shots before jumping back in the motor and speeding off.
As he was fatally shot, Johnston's foot floored the accelerator, and his car lurched forward into a barrier, crumpling the front end.
Two bullets hit the 26-year-old in the head, with one going through his brain, causing a fatal injury. A third bullet hit the rubber seal around the car's driver door.
(Image: Newsquest) The driver's window of the mangled Audi RS4 was also blown out, with shattered glass littering the footwell.
The front seat passenger, former Scots guard Brian McMahon, 31, urgently contacted emergency services to say that his pal had been shot.
After being rushed to Glasgow's Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Johnston died a few hours later after his life support machine was switched off.
Meanwhile, the Audi Q5 escaped onto the M8 over the Kingston Bridge towards the north of the city.
Detectives then quickly established a timeline for the murder, with CCTV showing the victim being tailed for up to an hour before the shooting by the getaway motor.
The car used by the gunman and alleged accomplices was later found burnt out in Balmore Road, Milton.
(Image: Newsquest)
(Image: Newsquest) Following his death, Johnston's funeral took place at St Columba Church in Glasgow's Maryhill in March 2017.