Woman convicted of killing care worker at supported accommodation in Stirling

A 33-year-old woman has been convicted after admitting killing Michele Rutherford, 54, at a care facility in Stirling.

Kellyanne McNaughton (pictured) pleaded guilty to culpable homicide when she appeared at the High Court in Glasgow. McNaughton had faced a murder accusation but prosecutors accepted her guilty plea to the reduced charge.

This was on the basis of diminished responsibility due to her mental health issues at the time on the incident.

Michele Rutherford was working at the facility on Craighall Street, run by The Richmond Fellowship charity, before she was seriously injured shortly after 11am on Tuesday, 7 March, 2023.

Two other carers, Moira McMillan and Victoria Hendry, were also stabbed before they persuaded 33-year-old McNaughton to release the knife.

Rutherford was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow for treatment but was later pronounced dead.

McNaughton, who lived within the supported accommodation, was arrested on the same day.

Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh said: “Michele Rutherford lost her life in tragic circumstances while at work caring for others.

“We know her loss has had a lasting impact on a great many people and, of course, in particular her family.

“Nothing can change what happened but I hope that this conviction can provide some degree of closure.”

Lord Armstrong adjourned the case until late January and McNaughton will remain in prison meantime.

Picture (c) Police Scotland.