The grieving mum of a young man who was stabbed to death in Glasgow has demanded police to release his killer’s image.
Kyle Zybilowicz, 29, was brutally killed by the then 34-year-old Darren McDade at his flat in the south side of the city on July 22, 2023. McDade launched the frenzied attack on Kyle, an NHS worker, as he stabbed him to death with a pair of scissors.
The brute then attempted to conceal his depraved actions by hiding the murder weapon and burning his clothes. McDade was originally accused of murder at a trial at the High Court in Glasgow.
But he was convicted of the reduced charge of culpable homicide while acting under provocation. He was sentenced to eight years in jail.
View 3 ImagesKyle Zybilowicz(Image: Police Scotland)
Kyle’s mum Alison Taylor has now pleaded with police to release McDade’s image to the public amid fears he could strike again.
Speaking to the Glasgow Times, Alison said: “Kyle’s face was splattered all over and the fact that Darren McDade’s isn’t out there to me, is a disgrace. They’re quick enough to put a photo out of the victim, which is all over the internet.
“Nobody knows what he looks like. The fact that his face isn’t out there, means other potential victims can’t come forward and identify themselves.”
She continued: “He can change his name. Nobody knows what he looks like. This guy can get off scot-free. Photos should be put out automatically, as soon as the trial is over, the photo should go out automatically of the person that did it first to safeguard the wider public.”
View 3 ImagesThe scene in Glasgow(Image: Daily Record)
Alison’s calls have been backed by MSP Russell Findlay, who demanded cops to bring in a specific practice where mugshots of convicted killers are released regardless of special circumstances.
He said: “It should be standard practice for Police Scotland or the Crown Office to release a photo of those who kill people or commit other serious crimes. Grieving families should not be forced to beg the authorities to apply some basic common-sense. Kyle’s family are understandably upset and angry that their son’s killer remains invisible to the public and is back on the streets so soon.”
Debbie Adams, interim Chief Executive at Victim Support Scotland, said: “These situations can be incredibly distressing for people. It is made worse when decisions, such as why an image can or cannot be released, are made without clear reasons being provided.
“These matters sit with Police Scotland, and they determine the reasons for an image not being released, such as the perpetrator being involved in other active legal cases. These reasons may not be clearly communicated to people, which can lead to frustration and upset.”
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A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Our thoughts remain with Kyle’s family, friends and loved ones. No-one should have to go through the trauma that they have had to endure. In reviewing the request for the release of an image, Police Scotland must consider a range of competing legal responsibilities and balance these with the needs of the family of the deceased.
“We will endeavour to release an image where there is a policing purpose for doing so, it is practicable and where there are no legal restrictions in place that would preclude release. This is in line with national guidance.”
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