Police facing watchdog investigation over ‘murder’ of pregnant teacher

Marelle Sturrock, 35, was found dead before the body of her fiancé was discovered (Picture: PA)

Police Scotland is facing a watchdog investigation after a pregnant teacher was allegedly murdered by her fiance.

Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered at her home in Glasgow last Tuesday morning. She was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn baby did not survive.

Her partner David Yates, 36, was named as being wanted in connection with her death but last Thursday, his body was discovered at the Mugdock Reservoir north of the city.

An investigation remains ongoing but nothing has been established so far to suggest anyone else was involved in Ms Sturrock’s death. Yates’ death is not being treated as suspicious.

The force has said its handling of the case will be looked into by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).

When asked for a statement, Police Scotland said: ‘As this is being investigated by the PIRC we are unable to comment further.’

The PIRC said: ‘Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the PIRC to carry out an investigation into the death of Marelle Sturrock on 25 April 2023 within 91 Jura Street, Glasgow.

‘Once our inquiries are complete a report will be submitted to COPFS.’

Police divers at the scene at Mugdock Country Park during their search for David Yates (Picture: PA)

Teacher Marelle Sturrock was found dead at her home in Glasgow last week (Picture: Facebook)

Yates’ body was found following an intensive search of Mugdock Country Park, around nine miles from their home

After Yates’ body was found, 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.’

The headteacher at Sandwood Primary School in Glasgow, where Ms Sturrock 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.’

Ms Sturrock was from Wick, Caithness, but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

The teacher was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn baby did not survive.