Stefan Sutherland's family shocked that no evidence of criminality has been found in relation to his death
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A review carried out by Police Scotland's Major Investigation Team (MIT) over the last 16 months has found no evidence of criminality in relation to Stefan Sutherland's death in 2013.
Stefan's sister Katrina Sutherland said: "The family are very disappointed, after nearly two years of investigation we did not expect this result."
However, she pointed out that the forensic examiner had stated during the investigation that she could not say for certain that no assault had taken place and the cause of death should be changed to "unanswered".
Describing what the family have been through as a rollercoaster journey, Mrs Sutherland said they were shocked by the result. "It has really knocked the wind out of our sails, " she said. "It is frustrating – we have been sitting quietly, waiting patiently for nearly two years."
When members of the investigation team first came to the family's home at Occumster and talked about the investigation that would take place, they were hopeful about the result.
"Every time they came and gave us an update they assured us they were doing their very best and leaving no stone unturned," said Mrs Sutherland.
She stressed that the case was not closed and felt there was always hope that new information would come to light.
"We can apply to the Crown Office for a review and that is an option – at the moment the family are just trying to come to terms with the result the MIT have come to and decide what our next steps should be," explained Mrs Sutherland.
"Obviously we won't be giving up, we just don't believe that there was no criminal activity. We are not the first family in the community to go through it and I doubt we will be the last to be honest."
Mrs Sutherland went on to say: "The community has been extremely supportive and we would like to thank everybody who took the time to speak to the police officers."
Stefan (25), went missing in Lybster on September 6, 2013, and his body was found on the shoreline at nearby Occumster 11 days later.
A team of 15 officers from MIT started door-to-door enquiries in the area on January 21, 2020 and a mobile police office was also set up in Lybster.
A tremendous amount of support has been shown to the family through the Facebook page Justice4Stefan where many comments have been made questioning the result of the review.
Assistant Chief Constable John Hawkins said: "Stefan’s death was a tragedy for his family, his friends and the close-knit Caithness community. Our sympathies remain with them all today.
"Officers from Police Scotland’s Major Investigation Team spent 16 months carrying out a comprehensive review into all aspects of Stefan’s death, which included taking more than 200 statements, speaking to over 500 people locally, re-interviewing witnesses from the original investigation and tracing a number of new witnesses.
"These enquiries found no evidence of criminality in relation to Stefan’s death which was supported by an expert review of forensic evidence, witness testimony and all facts established during both the initial investigation in 2013 and the latest review.
"I recognise the years of campaigning by the Sutherland family, who have rightly sought answers to a number of questions surrounding Stefan’s death.
"The review found that many of these questions and concerns were based on unsubstantiated information being passed to them which understandably caused significant grief and worry to the Sutherland family and the local community.
"I am grateful to the Sutherlands for allowing us to update them on the review findings and provide reassurance to them and the wider community that we found no evidence of criminality in Stefan’s death.
"Police Scotland enjoys a strong bond with the communities we serve in Caithness and I would also like to thank people, particularly those in Lybster, for coming forward and speaking to detectives.
"While I am confident that all relevant material has been gathered during the review, Police Scotland will investigate any new information received."
