A man has been sentenced to life in prison after brutally murdering his girlfriend by stabbing her at least 26 times in a secluded house on a Scottish island. Aren Pearson, 41, was convicted for the murder of Claire Leveque, 24, in the Sandness area of Shetland on February 11, 2024. Claire was tragically found in a hot tub at Pearson’s mother’s residence, where she had sustained multiple stab wounds, with 19 of them concentrated on her face and neck.
The couple, originally from Canada, relocated to Scotland in 2023. The fatal incident occurred following a series of domestic abuse episodes inflicted by Pearson on Claire, whom he professed to “love.”
After the attack, Pearson admitted multiple times to emergency services and authorities that he had fatally harmed Claire. He also disclosed to medical personnel treating him for minor injuries that he had self-inflicted at a hospital in Lerwick, Shetland.
Emergency services confirmed Claire’s death at the scene. Prior to the arrival of the police, Pearson absconded from the premises and drove his Porsche to Melby Pier, deliberately plunging it into the sea. He later returned to the house and was apprehended by law enforcement.
Despite his confessions, Pearson denied responsibility for Claire’s death during the trial, claiming that Claire had inflicted the wounds on herself. These assertions deeply affected Claire’s family members, who flew in from North America to witness the distressing evidence detailing Claire’s injuries.
Following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh, Pearson was found guilty of murder and assault against Claire. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25 years.
During the trial, jurors heard a chilling 999 call made by Pearson’s mother, Hazel, after the incident. Hazel reported the crime to emergency services after Pearson revealed that he had killed Claire. Pearson’s disturbing statements during the call included graphic details of the attack.
In response to the verdict, Detective Inspector Richard Baird expressed shock at the extreme violence perpetrated by Pearson. He described the abusive relationship Pearson had with Claire and highlighted Pearson’s callous and selfish behavior before and after the fatal attack.
Chief Inspector Chris Sewell, Shetland area commander, acknowledged the impact of the incident on the local community and assured ongoing support for the prevention of violence against women and girls in Shetland.
Hope Ingram paid tribute to Claire after Pearson’s conviction, remembering her as a vibrant individual who cherished life. Ingram emphasized the importance of moving forward and honoring Claire’s memory positively.
For confidential support related to domestic abuse, individuals can contact the 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk. Additionally, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) offers specialist support for those affected by fatal domestic abuse.
