The sibling of the Nottingham killer, Valdo Calocane, testified in an inquiry that he did not interpret his brother’s violent messages as indicating a potential for murder. Valdo, a former student with paranoid schizophrenia, committed a violent spree on June 13, 2023, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and an attempt to harm pedestrians with a van.
Elias Calocane revealed that he believed his brother’s messages expressing a desire to hurt “permanently” related to suicidal thoughts rather than intentions to harm others. He emphasized that Valdo had never displayed violent tendencies before the tragic events on June 13, describing him as a calm and peaceful individual.
During the inquiry, it was disclosed that Valdo had sent disturbing messages to his brother in 2020, including references to “red rum” (murder spelled backward) and feelings of anguish, paranoia, and anger. Elias recalled that he did not associate these messages with murder but rather with seeking inner peace and relief from distress.
In another instance, Valdo mentioned encountering the holy spirit and feeling “saved” before expressing violent thoughts. Elias expressed his concern and confusion, indicating a desire for more explanation from his brother.
The inquiry also heard about a situation where Valdo reacted strongly when his mother called him unexpectedly in 2020, instructing her not to do it again. Elias noted that his brother tended to withdraw from arguments, a behavior that now seemed significant in hindsight.
Elias recounted his efforts to rationalize with Valdo about his delusions, trying to convince him that the things he believed were not real. He mentioned that he only learned about Valdo’s paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis and the doctor’s warning about potential violence after the tragic incidents.
Despite his concerns, Elias believed his brother was more likely to harm himself than others, interpreting certain messages as potential goodbye notes. He expressed a persistent fear that the situation would not end well, always anticipating a tragic outcome.
The inquiry is ongoing as more details emerge.