A heart-wrenching tragedy has unfolded in Calder, Scotland, where a 6-year-old girl’s death is now being treated as murder. The young girl, Hope, was found deceased at her father’s home along with her father, Mark Gordon, after she missed school on January 20, 2025.
The alarm was raised when Hope didn’t arrive at school, prompting a “concern for” call to the police from a family member. Upon entering the property, authorities discovered the bodies of both Hope and her 36-year-old father.
While the circumstances surrounding their deaths remain under investigation, police have confirmed they are treating Hope’s death as murder. Mark Gordon’s death is currently being treated as unexplained, pending a post-mortem examination.
Hope was remembered by her school, Toronto Primary School in Livingston, as a “bright, bubbly and affectionate girl” who brought joy to everyone she met. Her head teacher, Fiona Linfoot, shared a touching tribute, expressing the school community’s devastation at the loss of such a beloved student.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that might be relevant to the case. Superintendent Grant Hendry from Police Scotland’s major investigations team emphasized that even seemingly insignificant details could be crucial to understanding what happened. He assured the public that their thoughts are with Hope’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
This tragic incident has deeply affected the local community, and the police are urging anyone with information to come forward to help provide answers and closure for those grieving this devastating loss.