The sister of murdered Glasgow teacher, Marelle Sturrock, has spoken of the family's heartbreak following the death of the 35-year-old.
The pregnant woman's body was found dead in her home on Jura Street on Tuesday, April 25. Sadly the unborn baby did not survive.
A hunt for her fiance David Yates, 36, was immediately launched by Police. His body was recovered from Mugdock reservoir on Thursday, reports the Record.
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Relatives of Marelle have insisted the couple were happy and that they were both looking forward to becoming parents.
Sister Sarah Sturrock told well-wishers posting messages on her social media accounts that she was still struggling to come to terms with it all.
She posted: “I just can’t take this in. They were so happy. Marelle was looking forward to her baby.”
A police announcement of Yates’s death comes as it is revealed that he was a Lord of the Rings fanatic. He nicknamed his partner after a doomed character from the Tolkein novels.
It is believed that the 36-year-old called Marelle “Luthien”, who is an elf from the Lord of the Rings world that chose to die after her lover, Beren, is killed by a werewolf.
The names Luthien and Beren also appear on the gravestone of Lord of the Rings’ author JRR Tolkien and his wife, Edith.
It has been confirmed that Yates had a passion for replica swords from the fantasy books.
He was pictured on social media posing alongside a sword he was given as a present.
The couple's dog was also named after a character in the book, Samwise Gamgee.
The fanatic also gained a big online following with his Lord of the Rings-themed podcast – titled Tol’ Tales: A Charity Reading of The Lord of the Rings – on Facebook.
A source told the Record: “David absolutely loved Lord of the Rings and it was clear to see. He named his pet after a character from the books and films and he came up with a nickname for Marelle from the stories.
“Nobody really saw any problem with it."
Yates also took to the stage, starring in shows for Glasgow Music Theatre – a comedy film and various other amateur productions.
He also was the frontman of a metal band named Nocturne Wulf. However, it was announced in 2020 that he was leaving the band to “focus on family”.
Yates posted: “I’m afraid to say this will be my last post as a singer from Nocturne Wulf. I found that my heart just wasn’t in the band. I want a family more than I want to be in a band.”
The investigation into her murder is ongoing and reports will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.
Police are certain Yates killed her before later taking his own life.
Those who lived close to the couple's home described them as “lovely” and “always so happy”. Detectives probing the case confirmed Yates was the only person wanted in connection with Marelle’s murder.
He was well-known in his community for his love of singing and playing guitar.
Marelle's body was discovered after her worried colleagues from Sandwood Primary raised the alarm when she failed to show up for work.
The mum-to-be was originally from Wick, in Caithness, before moving to Glasgow at 17 to study performing arts. She and Yates lived with his parents, in the outskirts of Glasgow, for a number of years before moving into their home in the city’s south side.
The Record attempted to contact Yates’s family but they declined to comment. Police said they are supporting Marelle’s family.
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.”
A further statement from the force yesterday confirmed the death of Yates.
A spokesperson said: “The body of a man recovered yesterday following searches of Mugdock Reservoir has now been formally identified as 36-year-old David Yates. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
“Yates was wanted in connection with the murder of his partner Marelle Sturrock. The 35-year-old was found dead at her home on Jura Street, Glasgow, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.
“An investigation remains ongoing. However, there is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved in her death.”
The Crown Office and the Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has, meanwhile, instructed Police Scotland’s Investigations and Review Commissioner to carry out an investigation into Marelle’s death.
A spokesperson for the Crown said: “Once our inquiries are complete, a report will be submitted to COPFS.”
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