POLICE in Inverness yesterday began investigations into the death of a
14-year- old boy who was killed when his father's shotgun went off in
his hands while he was watching television on Monday afternoon.
The body of Malcolm Williams, whose parents are doctors, was
discovered by his older brother Peter, 22.
Their mother, Dr Patricia Williams, a GP in Inverness, yesterday told
how her husband Frank, a consultant radiologist at Raigmore Hospital,
Inverness, kept his double-barrelled 20-bore shotgun and cartridges
locked away in separate cupboards. He used the gun to shoot rabbits
which used to invade their garden from surrounding farmland and the
neighbouring Inverness-Nairn rail line embankment.
Mrs Williams said: ''Malcolm knew about guns because he had an air
rifle, but never showed any apparent interest in Frank's shotgun, and
certainly wasn't allowed to use it. I don't know what made him
interested on this occasion. He must have taken advantage of the hour he
knew he was being left alone in the house to find the keys to the
cupboards and load and examine the gun.
Speaking at the family home, Seafield of Raigmore House, a mile
outside Inverness on the Inverness to Nairn road, Mrs Williams added:
''We think it was just a stupid, tragic accident. He must have been
fiddling about with the gun while he watched TV and it went off
accidentally.''
Her husband, Dr Frank Williams, agreed: ''We do not think it was
suicide. Malcolm was looking forward to us all going on holiday next
month to Canada to visit our daughter Kate, who is an exchange
psychology student there. He was his normal cheery self and had no
problems we knew about.''
He went on to describe how his son, Peter, arrived home from his work
in the local benefits office and started to make something to eat in the
kitchen.
''He could hear the television was on and assumed Malcolm was sitting
watching it. Peter shouted through, asking him if he wanted something to
eat as well, and jokingly asked if he was expected to do all the work.
''It was only when he got no reply he went to investigate and found
Malcolm dead. It was a terrible shock for him, naturally, but he has
gone back to work. Perhaps it is better having something to occupy
himself with. I have told the police to keep the shotgun. I don't want
it back.''
Malcolm was in his fourth year at Culloden Academy. Headmaster Derek
McGinn said yesterday: ''I was devastated when Mr Williams phoned me
with the news. Malcolm was a good student, a very bright pupil -- in
fact a model pupil. He was a wee bit shy, but had a good circle of
friends.''
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