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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Susie Beever

Haunting video of pregnant teacher singing with fiancé hunted after she was found dead

Video shows teacher Marelle Sturrock singing alongside her fiancé who is now being hunted by police following her suspicious death.

The 35-year-old who was 29 weeks pregnant was tragically discovered dead at an address in Glasgow on Tuesday, as police confirmed they were launched a murder probe on Thursday.

Her baby also sadly died, Police Scotland said, as officers scoured a nearby park in a manhunt for Ms Sturrock's partner David Yates who is wanted in connection.

A clip showing the pair singing and playing guitar together has emerged amidst the search for Mr Yates.

The video, which was shared to Ms Sturrock's social media platforms where she posts regular clips of her singing, shows the couple singing, 'You & Me' originally by P!nk and Dallas Green's act, 'You + Me'.

The clip shows them singing 'You & Me' (Facebook)

Ms Sturrock was trained in musical theatre, with the drama group she had been a part of since she was a teenager sharing their devastation at the news of her death.

Amateur dramatic group Wick Players described her as "very talented", in a moving statement which read: "Some people have a light that shines from within, and Marelle’s talent shone through that aura and she followed her dream by doing drama and music studies at University.

"It is tragic that her young life has ended too soon but we at Wick Players will always love and remember her as one of our family."

During the Covid-19 lockdown, the talented singer had posted clips of her singing, including one where she performs Vance Joy's hit 'Riptide' on the ukulele, and had created a Facebook group encouraging other performers to share their talent.

Police Scotland on Thursday confirmed they were were investigating Ms Sturrock's death as murder, releasing more details about the search for Mr Yates who, they said, was last sighted on Sunday evening.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane from the force said officers attended Ms Sturrock's home on Tuesday morning where she was tragically pronounced dead.

"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."

David Yates is wanted in connection with Marelle's death (Facebook)

Marelle was from Wick in the Scottish Highlands but moved to Glasgow when she was 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts.

She later became a primary school teacher after completing her post-graduate diploma in education and taught at Sandwood Primary School.

Headteacher Fiona Donnelly paid tribute to Marelle and her dedication to the school and its pupils.

She told the Daily Record: "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.

Colleagues raised the alarm when Marelle didn't show up for work (Facebook)

"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 in one of her many acting roles outside of school.

“We are a school community in mourning and are devastated 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."

Enquiries into Marelle and her unborn baby's death continue, as the search for Mr Yates continued on Thursday.

DS Kilbane added: "Her partner David Yates is wanted in connection with Marelle’s death.

Marelle was 29 weeks pregnant (Facebook)

"At this time we have no information to suggest anyone else has been involved.

“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.

“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."

Marelle was described as a talented actress and musician who used her talents to bring joy to others' lives (Facebook)

DS Kilbane said there was nothing to suggest a wider risk to the public, and urged anyone with information to contact the force.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Officers have been carrying out extensive search activity at Mugdock Country Park in relation to a man who has been reported missing in the area.

"This is being treated as linked to the death of Marelle Sturrock searches remain ongoing in the area."

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