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The original was posted on /r/unresolvedmysteries by /u/DonkeyOT65 on 2023-12-30 23:36:50+00:00.
I'm sure a few of this community are very familiar with one of the most infamous/ possibly THE most infamous unsolved UK murder cases in the last 20 years.
Alistair was shot dead on his doorstep in 2004 after his wife answered the door at about 7pm on 28 Nov 2004 to a man who allegedly uttered just 2 words - " Alistair Wilson ". She went upstairs to her husband who was bathing their children. He went down to the door and had a 3-5 minute interraction with the mysterious man, then returned, reportedly with a blue envelope with the name "Paul" on it. Allegedly the envelope was empty. After reportedly being bemused as to the vistor's intentions, Alistair then returned to the doorstep, had a further 1-2 minute conversation with the mystery man then gunshots rang out and he was murdered, having been shot 3 times.
Supposition generally revolves about the same motives. Alistair was a banker - was he witness to/ involved in nefarious financial dealings?
Was he in personal financial trouble/owed money to a criminal source?Recently it's been suggested by the Highlands Police that his objection to planning permission of a yet-to be approved pavement decking development at the Public House opposite gained him enemies.
Was it a personal affair situation of either him or his partner?
I've been fascinated with this case for years, and have recently revisited all I can read about it - and a few questions spring to mind.
The "Paul" envelope. If, as is the public narrative, the murderer gave Alistair this envelope - if murder was potentially on his mind - how did he know he'd even return with this envelope? If he didn't, this potentially incriminating piece of evidence could have remained in the house, and then what? Stalk through the house exterminating all evidence and people? Alistair reportedly returned with the envelope and the muderer waltzed off with it after the murder. The police didn't even fully explain contents of this "empty" envelope until many years later - or what was written on it. A majorly important component of the whole case.The conversations between Alistair and his wife from the murderer appearing on the doorstep, her going up to inform Alistair of his arrival, and the KEY conversations ... WHAT was discussed next? It has never been revealed.
In the BBC podcast of aproximately 2 years ago, apparently when Mrs Wilson was interviewed in person, there were about 5 Police representatives present to supervise the public narrative." Hi Love, I've just spoken to him for 5 minutes and I've no idea who he is. He gave me an empty envelope and I'm puzzled "More likely, if Alistair had no idea of the purpose of the strangers visit, the conversation would be brief " No idea what you're on about mate, fuck off ".Alistair knew why he was there, hence the lengthy conversation. His wife clearly didn't. There may have been something in the envelope, which he removed - or gave back to the stranger, then feigned perplexment to his wife, and showed her an empty envelope to buy time.His wife, not being aware of the gravity of the situation wasn't imploring him not to go back to the doorstep. So he did. I think he thought he could talk his way out of the situation. Reportedly he went back and continued the conversation with the stranger for 1-2 minutes before the fatal shots rang out.
My take - for what it's worth. Alistair was in trouble. Personal finance/ work related-issues or just old fashioned infidelity/relationship issues, of which his wife had no knowledge. Hence, why police are so confident she had nothing to do with, or knowledge of circumstances behind his death. The police know/suspect more, but have been bizarrely economical with even the most basic version of events of that night that they have released to the public.
A recent news article where the family question the local Police's handling of the whole case...
Just my take. What are your thoughts?