Arlene Fraser Murder Case: Family Fights to Keep Nat Fraser in Prison

The Arlene Fraser murder case remains an open book, particularly because her body has yet to be found. It has been almost 30 years since the disappearance of the Elgin native. If there is one person that most believe knows where the remains of Arlene are, many feel her estranged husband, Nat Fraser, does.

Nat Fraser was initially found guilty and jailed for life in 2011. However, the UK Supreme Court deemed that trial to be unfair.

Fraser was convicted for a second time in 2012, receiving another life sentence that carried a minimum 17-year jail term. By October 2028, the fruit and vegetable seller will get another chance at potential freedom. However, the family of Arlene is not about to make that easy for the 69-year-old.

Suzanne's Law May Foil Fraser's Freedom

A main obstacle that Nat Fraser needs to hurdle is Suzanne's Law. It is a proposed amendment to victims, witnesses and justice reform legislation, something that was accepted in late 2025/early 2026. This empowers the Parole Board to block or delay the release of killers who refuse to disclose the location of their victims, as stated by the Scottish Government.

Former Detective Inspector Alan Smith, who has maintained communication with the family of Arlene Fraser, hopes this law derails Nat Fraser's freedom. He wants people like Nat to serve consecutive jail terms for hiding their victims' remains.

'I've seen the torture that Arlene's family has had to endure through Nat's choice not to give up her body. The final piece of control that Nat has is giving up that 28-year secret as to where Arlene is now,' Smith said in a report by BBC News.

There is no doubt that this law could hold the key to finally determining where the remains of Arlene are. However, Smith was quick to add that, given the personality of Nat Fraser, the chances of that hold little promise.

'I doubt he will ever give up that secret, knowing how the man ticks, and this legislation may not unlock that secret,' he added.

Facts Strong, But Fraser Elusive

The fact that Arlene and Nat were in a strained relationship and were on the cusp of divorce points to a possible motive. However, the problem is that Nat played it well and knew how to convince people.

Before Arlene's mysterious disappearance in April 1998, the 33-year-old woman was scheduled to meet with a solicitor to discuss a £250,000 divorce. At the same time, the last time anyone heard from her was when she called her son's school to ask when he would be back from a trip.

Beyond that, Arlene vanished mysteriously. With their marriage on the rocks, attention turned to Nat Fraser, whom most felt had a motive.

Nat played it well and seemed to have mapped out everything to make sure that he was not the prime suspect in the investigation. However, the tide changed after Fraser admitted that he had assaulted Arlene to the danger of her life.

Return of the Rings

Although it appeared that Nat had properly calculated every move, one mistake changed his fate. This was in reference to the sudden reappearance of Arlene's rings in the bathroom of Arlene's home. The rings were not there before.

Further, it was revealed that Nat Fraser was at Arlene's home when the rings re-emerged. With him being singled out as the one who put the rings there, he was found guilty and jailed for life.

Despite all the facts, it appears Nat Fraser is facing a number of questions and potential charges related to the disappearance of Arlene Fraser. It has been 30 years since she went missing, and all Arlene's family wants is to know where the remains of their loved one really are.