A new search is scheduled to begin for the bodies of a mother and her young child at the former residence of their convicted killer. The search for Renee MacRae and her son Andrew, who went missing 50 years ago, will be conducted on the property once owned by William MacDowell. Police and military experts are preparing to excavate the land near the property, which covers multiple acres. Royal Engineers specialists were called in after evidence of disturbed ground from the time of Renee and Andrew’s disappearance was identified in a historical survey of the area.
Forensic teams have been authorized to start excavations around MacDowell’s former property, as reported by the Daily Record. Family members of Renee and Andrew have been briefed on the latest developments. The mother and son disappeared on November 12, 1976, with Renee’s burnt-out BMW discovered near Dalmagarry Quarry, approximately 12 miles south of Inverness.
MacDowell, aged 81, took the knowledge of the victims’ whereabouts to his grave when he passed away in hospital five months after his conviction, having evaded justice for 45 years before being found guilty and receiving a life sentence. Police in Scotland have pledged to persist in their investigation until the remains are located. MacDowell, also known as Bill, resided near Inverness at the time of the murders and worked as a company secretary for a construction firm owned by Renee’s estranged husband, Gordon.
Renee, who was expecting to meet McDowell for a weekend trip before relocating to Shetland, vanished while deeply in love with him. She became pregnant with their son Andrew within a year of their relationship beginning. MacDowell passed away at HMP Glenochil in Alloa, just a year into his sentence. A breakthrough occurred in the case last year when potential evidence, believed to be a potty and a carpet, was discovered near the A9 highway close to Dalmagarry Quarry, where Renee’s car had been found on fire in 1976. Detective Superintendent Brian Geddes stated, “Our investigation into the murders of Renee and Andrew MacRae is ongoing, with officers exploring all possible leads.”
