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A monster who murdered his wife following a 'violent attack' at their home has been slammed for his 'wicked actions'. Walter Buchanan, 66, was found guilty of brutally killing Darrel Odhiambo on January 22, 2025, following a trial at the High Court in Glasgow. The mother-of-one suffered serious injuries, including significant compression of her neck, during a 'deliberate assault' at the property in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire on February 18, 2023.
Darrel (Image: Supplied) According to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), at 7.12am, Buchanan, a chartered surveyor, called emergency services and claimed he had found his 37-year-old wife not breathing. The court heard how the couple had a 'volatile or stormy' relationship.
It was also revealed that Darrel had told her friends and neighbours that she had been abused by her husband during their marriage. After her tragic death, abusive text messages from Buchanan were found on her phone, including one which read: "I hope you die you black *******." READ MORE: 'Avoid area' warning as 'gas leak' forces closure of busy road Following eight days of evidence in court, the monster was convicted of murder.
We reported how the evil killer was ordered to spend a minimum of 15 years locked behind bars after being sentenced for the horrific crime on April 2 at the High Court in Edinburgh. READ MORE: Shocking pictures show firefighters battle huge blaze as six in hospital Walter (Image: Supplied) After his sentencing, Moira Orr, who leads on homicide and major crime for the COPFS, slammed Buchanan's actions and said 'domestic abuse is unacceptable'. She said: “Darrel Odhiambo was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend, who had the right to be safe in her relationship and home.
“But instead, she was murdered by her husband Walter Buchanan, whose wicked actions have robbed her of her future. “He has now been held accountable following this prosecution, which I hope brings some comfort to all those affected by his offending. “Domestic abuse is an unacceptable blight on our communities and perpetrators must be brought to justice.
“I would encourage all victims of similar offending to report their experiences to the authorities and seek support.”.
