A police watchdog is investigating the death of a heavily pregnant teacher killed by her partner in a murder-suicide – as it emerges officers reportedly had contact with the couple prior to the incident.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was 29 weeks pregnant when she was found dead in the couple’s home on Jura Street, Glasgow, on Tuesday morning.
The discovery of her body prompted a police search for her fiancé David Yates, 36, but he was found dead in Mugdock Country Park, East Dunbartonshire, two days later.
Police are now understood to be facing an investigation over contact officers had with the couple before their deaths.
The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) has opened an investigation into contact made with Ms Sturrock and Mr Yates regarding their wellbeing, The Daily Record reports.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was found dead two days before her partner David Yates in what police believe was a murder-suicide
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was 29 weeks pregnant when she was found dead in the couple’s home on Jura Street, Glasgow
Police Scotland officers outside the couple’s home in Jura Street, Glasgow, on Thursday
Further details over the contact have not yet been revealed, but a source said the investigation will examine ‘any failure in practice that could have saved Marelle’s life or the lives of others in future’.
The source told the newspaper: ‘It is thought to have been pre-planned because David brought the dog to his mum’s house the night before and told her he had plans the next day.
‘It is not being considered as an accident – it was a brutal, frenzied attack.’
Following the discovery of her body on Tuesday, Yates’ white Seat Ateca was found at Mugdock Country Park, some eight miles north of the couple’s property, sparking a major search.
He was last seen near Mugdock Country Park, just outside the city in East Dunbartonshire, and was wanted in connection with her murder.
Police maintain there is no information to suggest anyone else is involved with Ms Sturrock’s death.
Friends say she was ‘really excited’ about becoming a mother and was ‘brilliant with kids’.
But friends of Yates said he had struggled with his mental health in the past.
One said: ‘David had a bit of a breakdown before his dad died last year. He was in a band for a few years and wanted to make a go of that and he was still doing his theatre shows and things. Nobody can get their heads around what has happened here.’
She had worked as a teacher at Sandwood Primary School for more than six years and led its choirs. She was also a keen actress outside the school.
Fiona Donnelly, the headteacher of Sandwood Primary School, said: ‘Marelle had 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 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 in one of her many acting roles outside of school.
‘We are a school community in mourning and devastated by the tragic news of her death.’
Police pictured searching Mugdock Country park, Milngavie, Scotland, prior to the discovery of Mr Yates
It is understood the couple got engaged in 2015.
According to neighbours, the couple would sometimes visit Mugdock Country Park to walk their dog.
Neighbour Alex Collie said his wife had spotted Ms Sturrock’s worried colleagues at the house on Tuesday morning.
He told the Daily Record: ‘My wife walked past when they were at the house.
‘They were knocking on the door and seemed worried. I think concern was raised when she didn’t show up for work.
‘A few hours later we saw the police here. We got the shock of our life when we heard what had happened to Marelle. It’s tragic. I can’t believe it.’
Pupils at Sandwood Primary School are being supported after the tragedy.
