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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Ryan Merrifield

Murdered pregnant teacher may have lain dead for two days before body discovered

A murdered teacher may have lain dead for up to two days before she was discovered.

The body of heavily pregnant Marelle Sturrock, 35, was found by police at her flat in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday morning.

Colleagues had reported concerns about her after she failed to show up for work - leading to a welfare check and the grim discovery.

Long-term partner David Yates, 36, was sought by investigators in connection with her death before a man's body was dragged out of a reservoir in a park yesterday.

The man's remains are yet to be formally identified but are believed to be those of Yates.

His car was found by investigators parked at Mugdock Country Park on Tuesday, leading to an intensive search.

Yates was last seen alive near to the same park on Sunday evening, shortly after 8pm, police say.

Marelle Sturrock and David Yates with dog Samwise (Facebook)
Police are unsure of where the dog was during the incident (Facebook)

His subsequent movements are unknown.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday, Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane would not reveal if Sturrock had shown up for work on Monday or when she was last seen alive.

Sturrock and Yates shared a dog - called Samwise - whose location during the incident is also unknown.

DCS Kilbane said: "I have no idea of what the pet dog's whereabouts were at that time."

She would not confirm if Yates was previously known to police.

A body pulled from a reservoir is believed to be that of Yates (Facebook)

Sturrock and Yates had first met in September 2011 and their baby was due in June.

Her unborn child was also tragically found not to have survived.

One person who knew Yates described him as "very quiet" and added: "I know he lost his dad last year and his dog also died at New Year."

It is understood it was an older family dog that died, rather than Samwise.

There is some suggestion he is now living with Yates' mum.

Marelle was pregnant at the time she was found dead (Facebook)

Tributes have, meanwhile, flooded in for Sturrock, including from friend Alec Nicholson, who described her as an "exceptionally beautiful" and "kind" person.

He told the Mirror: "She was just 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 added: "It’s very shocking and we’re all struggling to comprehend how it’s possible. Just a lovely, lovely girl."

Sturrock was originally from Wick in the Scottish Highlands, but moved to Glasgow aged 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts.

Police divers searched a reservoir at Mugdock Country Park (Garry McHarg/Daily Record)

The singer posted regular videos on social media of her performing songs, creating an online community for other performers to share their talents.

Fiona Donnelly, headteacher of Sandwood Primary School where she worked, 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 and David met in 2011 and were engaged (Facebook)

A brief statement from the force on Thursday evening said the body was discovered in a reservoir in the park and, while yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of Yates.

"An investigation remains ongoing but nothing has been established so far to suggest anyone else was involved in her death," a spokesperson said.

"Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course."

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