Scottish Online Gambling Addict Kills Mum, Himself

An online gambling habit which spiralled out of control is thought to have been the motive behind 44-year-old Brian Rockall's gruesome killing of his 80-year-old mother, Valerie, and his own suicide by hanging a few weeks ago in Edinburgh, Scotland, although the pair were only found on Monday.

According to police reports, a post-mortem revealed that Mrs Rockall was beaten around the head and stabbed numerous times. Police believe that when she discovered her son was using her money to fund his online gambling habit, an argument ensued which escalated into violence and ultimately murder.

Police broke down the door of Mrs Rockall's home on Monday evening after been called by her landlord, who told them that her door was barricaded and that he had not seen her in some time. The pair reportedly owed him six months of rent. When police entered the flat, they were faced with the grizzly scene.

As part of the investigation, police examined Mr Rockall's computer to learn about the precise extent of his online gambling habit as well as to search for any clues that could reveal why he did what he did. According to neighbours, the mother and son had lived in the flat for some time, but mainly kept to themselves.

Said a police spokesperson, 'We were notified on Monday night by the landlord, who told us the flat was barricaded. Officers found Mrs Rockall lying on a chair in the living room and Mr Rockall behind the living room door. We believe Mr Rockall had been using the household money to fund his gambling habit.'