The Real Story Behind Prime Video’s True Crime Hit The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles
Prime Video’s newest true crime documentary, The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles, began streaming on June 8, 2025. The film explores one of Scotland’s most shocking murder cases, the killing of restaurant worker Shamsuddin Mahmood and the long path to justice.
Stream The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles on Prime Video UK.
A Chilling Crime Shocks Orkney
On June 2, 1994, 26-year-old Shamsuddin Mahmood, originally from Bangladesh, was working at the Mumutaz restaurant in Kirkwall, Orkney. Suddenly, a masked man calmly walked in and shot him in the head at close range. The killer then left without saying a word.
The murder stunned the peaceful island community, which hadn’t seen a homicide in over 25 years. Mahmood had only been in Orkney for six weeks, making the crime even more confusing.
Witnesses Speak Out
In the documentary, several people share what they saw and felt that night. One witness, Emma, was just 13 at the time. She remembers sitting near the door when the attacker entered.
“He had his face covered,” she said. “He walked in with purpose. Then I heard a pop and saw him walk out. I didn’t understand what had happened until later.”
Emma says the incident changed the community forever. “I felt safe in Orkney before that night. Everything changed after the shooting.”
The Search for the Killer
The police interviewed nearly 3,000 people during the investigation. Two witnesses said they saw 15-year-old Michael Ross wearing a dark outfit similar to what the killer had on, just a month before the crime.
Ross, the son of police officer Edmund Ross, was brought in for questioning. He claimed to be with friends at the time of the murder, but they couldn’t confirm his story. His mother later said he seemed “completely normal” after police questioned him.
When asked if he had shot Mahmood, Ross told her “no.” She said she would never forget the look on his face when she asked him that question.
Police later searched his room and found a notebook with swastikas, raising more concern.
Not Enough Evidence, At First
In December 1994, police questioned Ross again. He was 16 and had a lawyer present. Despite suspicions, prosecutors said there wasn’t enough evidence to charge him.
Ross went on to join the British Army in 1995, entering The Black Watch regiment, the same unit where his father once served. He trained as a sniper.
A Twist Involving His Father
While investigating the bullet used in the shooting, Michael’s father, Constable Edmund Ross, became involved in testing the 9mm round. He claimed to find a box of bullets that matched the type used in the murder. He said they were given to him by a former marine named Jim Spence.
However, when police spoke to Spence, they learned that Ross had actually received two boxes, and Spence said he had been told not to mention the officer’s connection to the ammo.
Michael Ross denied any attempt to influence Spence, but the situation led to Edmund Ross being charged with obstructing justice. In 1997, he was sentenced to three years in prison (he served two).
Looking back, Ross said, “I should have just gotten rid of that ammo box. But it didn’t feel right to do that.”
Cold Case Breaks Open
The case went cold for over a decade until 2006, when police received an anonymous tip from a man named William Grant. He said he saw the killer leave a public toilet near the restaurant on the night of the murder.
With this new lead, investigators reopened the case. Michael Ross was arrested and went on trial in May 2008. Though Grant’s reliability was questioned in court, the jury still found Ross guilty on June 20, 2008.
A Shocking Courtroom Escape
In a dramatic twist, Ross tried to escape right after the verdict. He pushed past a guard and ran from the courtroom but was caught in the hallway.
Four months later, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder, plus an extra 5 years for trying to flee. Judge Andrew Hardie said Ross planned the killing and was driven by “extreme racist prejudice.”
Stream the Documentary Now on Prime Video UK
The Orkney Assassin: Murder in the Isles tells this chilling story through real interviews, eyewitness accounts, and expert commentary. It’s now available to stream on Prime Video and is quickly becoming a must-watch for true crime fans.