Marelle Sturrock: Family of murdered pregnant teacher ‘devastated’ over her death

The family of murdered pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock have spoken of their devastation following her death.

The body of Ms Sturrock, 35, was found at a property in Glasgow’s Jura Street last Tuesday morning.

Police Scotland confirmed she was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn son did not survive.

Parents Colin and Lorna Sturrock said: “We are devastated following the deaths of our daughter, Marelle, and soon to be grandson, Jayden Sturrock.

“Marelle was the happiest person you could ever meet and was always looking to help others the best she could.

“Marelle and her partner doted on each other, and this incident has come as a total shock to all who knew her.”

Following the discovery of Ms Sturrock’s body, police opened a murder investigation and launched a search for her missing partner, David Yates.

His body was recovered on Thursday from Mugdock Reservoir around nine miles away within Mugdock Country Park in East Dunbartonshire.

Police said his death was “not being treated as suspicious” and no one else is believed to have been involved in the incident.

Read more:
Police search for partner of pregnant teacher who was found dead in Glasgow
Body recovered from Mugdock Reservoir formally identified as David Yates

Ms Sturrock was from 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 postgraduate diploma in education.

Ms Sturrock worked at Sandwood Primary School where she was described as a “lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone”.

In a statement released through the force, her parents asked for privacy.

They added: “We would like to thank family and friends, colleagues at Sandwood Primary School, [and] Police Scotland officers, both in the Highlands and Glasgow, for their efforts and comforting support following our tragic event.”