John Carter, a popular gay man who has lived in Edinburgh for over a decade, was found unconscious in the lift at his block of flats, dying shortly afterwards at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.
Mr Carter (44) had been enjoying a Saturday afternoon in nearby pub, the Port O’Leith, before leaving with two men before midnight. A friend of Mr Carter told the Edinburgh Evening News that, “John had been drinking all day on the Saturday…[he] had been talking to these two guys and they left together at 11.30 pm. We don’t know if he was maybe going to a party…”
Thus far, the police are not condemning the death as a homophobic attack; the post-mortem was apparently inconclusive and cause of death yet to be confirmed.
Mr Carter has been described by those who knew him as, “a gentle giant” and “A lovely guy who was very cultured.” A barmaid at the Port O’Leith pub said that she has “known him for seven or eight years…He was a really nice guy.”
Sara Buchanan, the Detective Inspector in charge of the investigation is appealing for witnesses. If anyone has any form of information they should contact the Lothian and Borders Police: http://www.lbp.police.uk/contact/index.asp
