Man charged with the murder of midwife Samantha Eastwood
POLICE investigating the death of 28-year-old midwife Samantha Eastwood have charged a man with her murder.
Michael Stirling, 32, from Stoke, is due to appear before North Staffordshire Magistrates later today.
The body of Ms Eastwood was discovered when police searched rural ground near Caverswall, Staffordshire, on Saturday.
A statement from Miss Eastwood’s family released by the force on Sunday said: “The family of Samantha would like to ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.
“We would like to say, ‘Thank you’ to all the people who followed Samantha’s story and tried their best to help.”
Two other men, aged 28 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and later released on bail.
Ms Eastwood vanished after driving home from a night shift at Royal Stoke University hospital at 7.45am on Friday, July 27. After it was announced that a body had been found, Chief Nurse Liz Rix, of University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, paid tribute to Miss Eastwood on Twitter as a “much loved and valued” midwife.
She wrote: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Samantha Eastwood.”
Neighbours said the family are “utterly heartbroken” following the discovery of the midwife’s body.
One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “They are absolutely and utterly heartbroken as you can only imagine. It’s just the saddest outcome imaginable. I will be going around to offer my condolences, but at the moment they just need time to grieve and digest this awful news.”
A statement from Staffordshire Police said: “Detectives investigating the death of 28-year-old Samantha Eastwood have tonight (Sunday) charged a man with her murder.
“Michael Stirling, aged 32, from Cromer Road, Stoke-on-trent will appear before North Staffordshire Magistrates Court tomorrow morning (Monday August 6).
“The body of Samantha was discovered during a police search of rural ground near to Caverswall on Saturday August 4. She had been reported missing on Friday July 27.
“Two other men aged 60 and 28, who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have been released on conditional bail while inquiries are ongoing. A post mortem has taken place but further tests are required.”