Key Points
- Police Scotland have arrested a 20-year-old man in connection with the fatal shooting of 35-year-old William “Billy” Watson in Armadale.
- In a statement issued through police, Watson’s family said they are “desperate” for any information about the “horrific incident”.
- Three men—Frank McCarthy, 57, Corrie McQueen, 29, and Martin Patterson, 44—have already appeared at Livingston Sheriff Court charged with murder.
- Emergency services found Watson fatally injured at a property on Harestanes Road around 11:50 am on Saturday, 12 September 2026. A post-mortem examination confirmed he died from gunshot wounds in a targeted attack.
- Family members paid tribute to the father-of-three as a “charismatic” man with a “heart of gold”, while local residents gathered for a memorial at Watson Park.
Armadale (Edinburgh Daily) September 22, 2026 – Police Scotland confirmed on Tuesday that a fourth person—a 20-year-old man—has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of 35-year-old William “Billy” Watson inside a property on Harestanes Road, Armadale. Emergency services initially attended the scene around 11:50 am on Saturday, 12 September 2026, following reports of an injured male. Post-mortem results later established that Watson had sustained injuries consistent with a firearm, prompting detectives to launch a murder inquiry into what officers termed a targeted attack.
What Statement Has the Family of Billy Watson Released?
Following news of the latest arrest, the family of Billy Watson issued a heartfelt statement through Police Scotland expressing their profound grief and appeal for help.
As reported by Police Scotland’s corporate communications team, the family stated:
“Billy was a deeply loved son, dad, brother, uncle and friend. We are all desperate to find out any information about this horrific incident.”
Speaking directly to the media regarding the personal impact of his death, Watson’s sister-in-law, Caitlinn Murphy, paid tribute to the father-of-three.
As reported by Laura Piper of STV News, Caitlinn Murphy stated that:
“He had a smile that could light up any room. He loved to chat and have a laugh with everyone in our local community. We know how much he was loved. He was so very charismatic and such a funny man. He knew everybody and they knew him. He would talk to absolutely anybody.”
Murphy further described the emotional toll on his immediate family, noting that all of his relatives are “heartbroken with this horrific incident, especially his three daughters Tiana, Laicie and Charlee-Ann.” She added that Watson was a “funny, cheeky, caring and incredibly loving” man who had “a heart of gold and would have given his very last to anyone who needed it.”
Who Has Been Charged and Brought Before the Courts So Far?
Prior to the arrest of the 20-year-old man, three other individuals were taken into custody and subsequently charged by investigating officers.
As reported by The National, Frank McCarthy, aged 57, was the first suspect to appear at Livingston Sheriff Court. McCarthy made no plea to charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice, and was remanded in custody.
Subsequent updates provided by Police Scotland confirmed two further arrests. As reported by STV News, Corrie McQueen, 29, and Martin Patterson (also reported as Martin Paterson), 44, appeared at Livingston Sheriff Court on Monday. Both men faced charges of murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice. Neither individual entered a plea, both were remanded in custody, and both are expected to make further court appearances within eight days.
Background of the Armadale Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred on the morning of Saturday, 12 September 2026, in a quiet residential area on Harestanes Road in Armadale, West Lothian. Emergency responders responded to an urgent request for assistance regarding a 35-year-old man suffering from serious injuries. Despite medical intervention, Billy Watson died at the scene.
Detectives immediately cordoned off the property and surrounding streets, initiating door-to-door inquiries and analyzing local CCTV footage. Early in the investigation, Police Scotland announced that the incident was being treated as a targeted attack, assuring local residents that there was no broader threat to the public, though an increased police presence remained in Armadale to reassure the community.
In the days following the incident, local community members set up an online fundraising campaign to support Watson’s three young daughters. According to family members, the campaign quickly exceeded its initial goal, raising over £1,000 within a short timeframe. A public gathering and balloon release was also arranged by the family at Watson Park in Armadale, allowing friends and neighbors to pay their respects and share memories.
Prediction: How This Development May Affect the Local Area and Case Proceedings
Impact on the Armadale Community
The occurrence of a fatal firearm incident in a residential street in Armadale represents a rare escalation of violent crime in West Lothian. In the short term, the high-profile police presence, extensive forensic activity, and subsequent court appearances are likely to maintain a heightened sense of anxiety among local residents. However, the swift series of four arrests within ten days of the incident may offer some measure of reassurance that law enforcement is actively managing the threat. The strong community reaction—demonstrated through public memorials and online fundraising—suggests that local networks will continue to rally around the victim’s family, though calls for stricter security measures or increased neighborhood policing may grow.
Impact on the Judicial Process
With three individuals already remanded on charges including murder and attempting to defeat the ends of justice, the legal proceedings at Livingston Sheriff Court are set to transition into complex, multi-defendant pre-trial hearings. The arrest of the fourth suspect, a 20-year-old man, signals that investigators are continuing to piece together the events leading up to and following the shooting. As forensic evidence and statement reviews proceed, formal indictments and future court dates will dictate the timeline, leading to full trial proceedings in the High Court of Justiciary due to the severity of the charges.
