Man’s body found in hunt for fiancé of pregnant teacher killed in Glasgow
Detectives investigating the murder of a pregnant teacher have found a body in the hunt for her missing fiancé.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered at her home in Glasgow on Tuesday morning. She was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn baby was also killed.
Her partner David Yates, 36, was named as being wanted in connection with her death on Thursday, with extensive searches taking place nine miles away at Mugdock Country Park and Reservoir.
An investigation remains ongoing but nothing has been established so far to suggest anyone else was involved in her death, police said.
The body is yet to be formally identified, police said, who added that reports would be sent to the procurator fiscal.
Police divers had been involved in the search and large areas of the reservoir were cordoned off with police tape, with officers standing guard.
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.’
Friends of Marelle, who moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts before becoming a teacher, remembered her as a ‘kind’ and ‘talented’ person.
Speaking to the Mirror, Alec Nicholson paid touching tribute to ‘an exceptionally beautiful human’.
‘I mean, of course anyone would say that about someone whose loss they’re mourning, but she really was incredibly special. So beautiful, so talented, but so kind,’ he said.
‘She really was the very last person anyone could ever want to come to harm. Just a lovely, lovely girl.’
The headteacher at Sandwood Primary School in Glasgow, where she worked, said the 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.’
Parents at the school were told of the death in a letter on Wednesday and education psychologists are on hand to support pupils.
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