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Marelle Sturrock – latest: Body found in search for missing partner of ‘murdered’ pregnant teacher

Marelle Sturrock’s family say there are ‘no words’ to describe their devastation at loss

Emily Atkinson,Joe Middleton,Matt Mathers
Friday 28 April 2023 13:39 BST
Marelle Sturrock: Body discovered in hunt for partner of pregnant teacher found dead

Police searching for the fiancé of pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock who was found dead in Glasgow have recovered a body.

The body was found following searches of Mugdock Reservoir on Thursday, Police Scotland confirmed this evening.

He is yet to be formally identified but it is believed to be David Yates, 36, the force said. Ms Sturrock, 35, was found dead at a property on Jura Street in Glasgow on Tuesday morning.

She was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. Police confirmed today that her unborn baby did not survive.

The force said earlier on Thursday that David Yates was wanted in connection with Ms Sturrock’s death, adding there was “no information to suggest anyone else has been involved”.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane said: “Our thoughts are with Marelle’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy. “We are providing her family with specialist support at this incredibly difficult time.”

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Marelle Sturrock: Fiance wanted for murder of pregnant teacher found dead in flat

Marelle Sturrock: Fiance wanted for murder of pregnant teacher found dead in flat
Joe Middleton27 April 2023 18:03
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Police hunt missing fiancé after pregnant teacher ‘murdered’ in own home

Police have launched a murder probe into the death of a pregnant teacher as police search for her missing fiancé.

She was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn baby did not survive, Police Scotland confirmed this afternoon.

Joe Middleton has more:

Police hunt missing fiancé after pregnant teacher ‘murdered’ in own home

Marelle Sturrock’s unborn baby did not survive, Police Scotland confirmed

Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 17:15
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Watch: Fiance wanted for murder of pregnant teacher found dead in flat

Marelle Sturrock: Fiance wanted for murder of pregnant teacher found dead in flat
Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 16:42
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Fiance’s car found at Mugdock Country Park

David Yates’ car was found at Mugdock Country Park earlier this week, Police Scotland confirmed as its “extensive” search of the area continues.

Police divers and officers investigating her death have been searching for Mr Yates near Mugdock Reservoir, just outside the city in East Dunbartonshire.

In an update on Thursday, detective superintendent Nicola Kilbane said: “His vehicle, a white Seat Ateca, was found at Mugdock Country Park on Tuesday and an extensive search has been ongoing in the area since.

(PA)

“The last confirmed sighting of David was on Sunday evening shortly after 8pm. His subsequent movements are unknown after his vehicle was left at Mugdock Country Park but there is nothing to suggest he has left the area. We will keep an open mind on this as we continue to search the area.

“A visible police presence will remain at both Jura Street and Mugdock Country Park as our investigation continues.”

Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 15:58
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Fiance wanted for murder of pregnant mother found dead in flat

A murder investigation has been launched into the death of a pregnant teacher in Glasgow as officers search for her fiance, Police Scotland has confirmed.

Marelle Sturrock, 35, was found dead at a property on Jura Street in Glasgow on Tuesday morning.

She was 29 weeks pregnant at the time of her death. Police confirmed today that her unborn baby did not survive.

In an update on Thursday, detective superintendent Nicola Kilbane said David Yates was wanted in connection with Marelle Sturrock’s death, adding there was “no information to suggest anyone else has been involved.”

Ms Kilbane said: “A murder investigation is ongoing in relation to the death of Marelle Sturrock, 35, at Jura Street in Glasgow.

“Officers attended her home address shortly after 8.40am on Tuesday 25 April and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Marelle was 29 weeks pregnant and I can confirm that sadly her unborn baby did not survive.

“Our thoughts are with Marelle’s family and friends, along with everyone affected by this tragedy. We are providing her family with specialist support at this incredibly difficult time.”

Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 15:44
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Divers search reservoir in hunt for fiance of pregnant teacher found dead

Police divers have been spotted scouring a reservoir as the search for the fiance of a pregnant teacher who was found dead continues.

Marelle Sturrock, 35, was found dead at a property on Jura Street in Glasgow on Tuesday morning.

Officers investigating her death have been searching for a missing man in the area of Mugdock Country Park near Milngavie, just outside the city in East Dunbartonshire.

(PA)

It is understood that the man police are searching for is Ms Sturrock’s fiance, David Yates.

Police divers have been involved in the search of Mugdock reservoir, large areas of which are cordoned off with police tape, with officers standing guard.

Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 15:13
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Headteacher at school where pregnant teacher worked says community is ‘devastated'

The headteacher at Sandwood Primary School in Glasgow where Ms Sturrock worked said the school community is “devastated”.

Fiona Donnelly said: “Marelle has been a much-loved member of our school community since her probationary year more than six years ago and has taught many year groups throughout her time at the school.

“We will all miss her so much.

“She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone.

“Marelle used her artistic talents across the school and was our music champion who has been a key player in the success of our school choirs, with one of her classes going to see her on stage at The King’s (Theatre) in one of her many acting roles outside of school.

“We are a school community in mourning and are devasted by the tragic news of her death and pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we all come to terms with our loss.”

Joe Middleton27 April 2023 15:02
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Floral tributes 'left outside property where pregnant teacher found dead’

Floral tributes and messages have reportedly been left outside the property where pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock was found dead on Tuesday morning.

According to the Glasgow Times, Ms Sturrock’s students have begun to leave flowers and heartfelt notes for their late teacher outside the Jura Street home.

One card read: “I will miss you loads.”

The newspaper also reports that a flag is being flown at half mast out Sandwood Primary School where she taught.

Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 14:00
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First images of Marelle Sturrock and her fiance David Yates

Police are still attempting to track down Marelle Sturrock’s missing fiance David Yates, after she was found dead in her flat.

After discovering Ms Sturrock’s body, officers sealed off parts of Mugdock Country Park in Milngavie, which is around nine miles away, as they searched for Mr Yates.

It is understood that the couple lived together.

(Facebook)
Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 13:00
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Marelle Sturrock: Manhunt for suspect after pregnant teacher found dead in flat

Our video team has the latest on the search for Marelle Sturrock’s fiance, David Yates, after she was found dead in her flat:

Manhunt For Missing Partner After Pregnant Teacher Found Dead In Flat
Emily Atkinson27 April 2023 12:01

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