Watchdog told to investigate police over pregnant teacher’s murder
Crown orders PIRC to probe tragic death
SCOTLAND’S police watchdog has been ordered to investigate the death of a pregnant teacher who detectives believe was murdered by her fiancé.
Marelle Sturrock, 35, was found dead on Tuesday morning in the flat she shared with her partner David Yates in the Craigton area of Glasgow.
She was 29 weeks pregnant and her unborn baby also died.
Yesterday the Crown Office instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) to launch a probe into Ms Sturrock’s death.
The reason for the probe has not been revealed.
Ms Sturrock, a primary school teacher, was pronounced dead at the scene after police were called to the upper cottage flat at about 8.40am on Tuesday.
‘Body in a reservoir confirmed as Yates’
Police launched a manhunt for Yates, 36, and said he was wanted for her murder.
At a press conference on Thursday, Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane refused to reveal whether Yates was known to police and would not comment on the couple’s relationship.
A body found in a reservoir at Mugdock Country Park in Dunbartonshire later that day was yesterday confirmed to be Yates.
The last confirmed sighting of him had been near the park just after 8pm on Sunday and his white Seat Ateca was found abandoned in a car park there on Tuesday.
Police Scotland said in a statement yesterday: ‘The body of a man recovered following searches of Mugdock Reservoir has now been formally identified as 36year-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.
‘An investigation remains ongoing, however, there is nothing to suggest anyone else was involved in her death. Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course.’
The police will now come under the scrutiny of the PIRC following the order to investigate Ms Sturrock’s death.
A Crown Office spokesman said: ‘The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has instructed the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner to carry out an investigation into the death of Marelle Sturrock.’
A spokesman for PIRC said: ‘The COPFS has instructed the PIRC to carry out an investigation into the death of Marelle Sturrock on April 25, 2023. Once our inquiries are complete a report will be submitted to COPFS.’
Guidance on the PIRC website states: ‘All sudden, suspicious and unexplained deaths are reported to the COPFS who will then examine the circumstances of the death and decide whether to instruct the PIRC to investigate.
‘The legislation allows the PIRC to investigate serious incidents where a person has died following direct or indirect contact with the police. There must be an indication that the contact may have caused or contributed to the death.’
The Crown Office can also direct the commissioner to investigate ‘any circumstances where there is an indication that a person serving with the police may have committed a criminal offence’.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: ‘As this is being investigated by the PIRC we are unable to comment further.’