Man charged over fatal knife attack on 34-year-old in Dundee

A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a man in a knife attack two days before Christmas.
Police at the scene of the stabbing in Thurso Cresent, Dundee. Picture: Alan RichardsonPolice at the scene of the stabbing in Thurso Cresent, Dundee. Picture: Alan Richardson
Police at the scene of the stabbing in Thurso Cresent, Dundee. Picture: Alan Richardson

Aldis Minakovskis is alleged to have stabbed Aigars Upenieks to death last week at a block of flats in Thurso Crescent, in the Menzieshill area of Dundee.

The 24-year-old Latvian national is said to have killed Mr Upenieks, 34, by repeatedly stabbing him on the body at Thurso Crescent.

He appeared on petition at Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday.

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Minakovskis, who lives at another block of flats in Thurso Crescent, Dundee, faced a single charge of murder during the brief private apperance, where he was represented by solicitor Douglas McConnell.

The case was continued for further examination and Minakovskis was remanded in custody by Sheriff Alistair Carmichael.

He is expected to appear in court again next week.

A major police operation was launched at about 3am on December 23 after reports of a disturbance at the block of flats.

Mr Upenieks was found with life-threatening injuries and was rushed to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital, where he later died.

Residents told of their horror at the incident.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve been here for eight months and haven’t experienced anything like this. I was woken by the police.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said a man had been arrested over the killing, but had not yet been charged.

She said: “Police Scotland can confirm that a 24-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the suspicious death of a 34-year-old man following an incident at Thurso Crescent, Dundee.”

She added: “Police Scotland attended at a common close in Thurso Crescent, Dundee at around 3am, following a report that a man had been found with serious life-threatening injuries.

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“He was taken immediately by ambulance to Ninewells Hospital, where he sadly died. Inquiries into his death are continuing and police are treating the circumstances as suspicious.

“Anyone with information that could assist officers with their inquiries is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Resident Kirsty Stewart said: “It’s next to my house – it’s not a good close but I think someone’s been stabbed. It’s horrible to look at.”

Another local added: “The place is mobbed with police but we’re not really sure exactly what has happened.”