The tragic death of a respected Edinburgh business owner has taken an agonizing turn for her loved ones following an unexpected development inside Scotland's penal system.
The case began on Monday, 20 July, when emergency responders were called to a residential address in Craigievar Square, East Craigs. Officers arriving at the scene discovered 44-year-old Vikki Soloman suffering from severe injuries. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the property.
Investigators from Police Scotland arrested her 46-year-old ex-partner, Lee Greenan. Witnesses reported that Greenan had entered a local establishment, the Mid Yoken pub, covered in blood shortly after the incident and told patrons he had killed his ex-partner.
Greenan subsequently appeared before Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday, facing three distinct criminal charges: assault to injury, murder, and assault. He made no plea during the initial hearing, was remanded in custody to HMP Edinburgh, and was expected to reappear in court within eight days.
However, the legal process ground to a sudden halt on Sunday morning when prison staff found Greenan deceased inside his cell. In statements confirmed to Daily Dazzling Dawn, Police Scotland stated officers were alerted to the death around 8:55 am. Authorities confirmed there appear to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, with reports indicating he took his own life. Official reports are being prepared for submission to the Procurator Fiscal.
The death of the sole accused alters the legal trajectory of the case, as criminal proceedings automatically conclude upon the death of a defendant. Despite this procedural halt, Police Scotland confirmed that investigators are not seeking anyone else in connection with Ms Soloman's death.
In an emotional statement issued through Police Scotland, Ms Soloman’s family shared their profound grief and unwavering resolve. They expressed deep gratitude for the overwhelming wave of support from the local community, noting that the loss of a devoted mother has left an irreplaceable void for her two young sons, Reece and Jude.
Describing the news of Greenan's death in custody as another bitter blow, the family emphasized that they remain steadfastly determined to pursue justice for Vikki. They stated that their primary focus now centers entirely on ensuring her children are safe, supported, and surrounded by her lasting legacy of love, while requesting privacy as they mourn. In response, close friends and community members have launched a dedicated GoFundMe campaign to provide long-term support for the boys.
Beyond her role as a mother and owner of Vikki Soloman Aesthetics, Ms Soloman was a prominent figure within her industry. Earlier this year, she worked directly alongside Scottish Liberal Democrat Leader Alex Cole-Hamilton, providing expert input during the passage of landmark Holyrood legislation designed to regulate the beauty and aesthetics sector. Expressing deep shock at the news, Mr Cole-Hamilton noted that her passing serves as a stark reminder of the urgent work required to protect women and children from domestic violence.
Focus now shifts to the statutory procedures governing custody fatalities in Scotland. The Scottish Prison Service confirmed that all deaths in custody are formally reported to Police Scotland and the Procurator Fiscal. Under Scottish legal mandates, a Fatal Accident Inquiry will be conducted. This public inquiry will examine the full circumstances surrounding Greenan's death at HMP Edinburgh, evaluating institutional supervision, cell safety protocols, and duty-of-care procedures.