Killer stabbed young man to death in Glasgow amid row over dog's paw being stood on

A killer stabbed a young man to death after a row over a dog’s paw being stood on.

James Wilson, 20, fatally struck Ryan Willcox at a property in Castlemilk, Glasgow.

The 21-year-old did not survive the attack on July 28, 2023.

Wilson had denied murder during a trial at the High Court in Glasgow, but jurors on Friday found him guilty, and he now faces a life sentence.

Wilson will learn next month the minimum he will spend behind bars.

The trial heard how emergency services were called to the property on the city’s Stravanan Road following the attack.

Mr Willcox was said to be lying stricken in the garden, with a nearby resident describing Wilson as “pacing up and down” looking “agitated and worried”.

James Wilson was found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow. Police Scotland

He then knelt down beside the victim and asked a paramedic if there was anything he could do to help.

A police constable was one of the officers called to the scene.

She spoke with Wilson and it was discovered he was subject to a bail condition not to go into Stravanan Road.

Prosecutor Leanne McQuillan asked the officer if Wilson had said anything about what happened.

The officer noted him as stating: “He stood on the dug’s paw and we were arguing.

“He had the knife, we got in a tussle, and then this happened.”

He pointed to the young man on the ground as he made the comment.

Asked how Wilson appeared when she spoke to him, the PC told jurors: “He did not seem panicked at that point.

“Maybe calm – just saying what he believed the situation to be.”

After the verdict, Ms McQuillan handed the judge victim impact statements from Mr Willcox’s grieving parents and sister.

The judge adjourned the case until April 9 in Livingston.

Lord Scott told Wilson: “You have been convicted of murder – a crime only a life sentence can be punishment.”

Wilson remains in custody in the meantime.

Detective Inspector Stuart Gillies said: “I hope this verdict will bring a sense of justice for Ryan’s family and friends and our thoughts remain with them as they come to terms with what happened to him.

“Wilson will now face the consequences of his deplorable actions.

“Thankfully, crimes like these are rare in our communities. When such incidents take place, we will use all resources necessary to carry out thorough, rigorous inquiries to ensure we track down those responsible to bring them to justice as swiftly as possible.

“I would like to thank all officers involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the investigation as well as those members of the public who assisted with our enquiries.”