First picture of stalker suspected of killing tragic horse lover Gracie Spinks in ‘murder-suicide’
THIS is the stalker suspected of killing tragic horse lover Gracie Spinks.
Michael Sellers, 35, is said to have fatally injured the six-foot blonde model as she tended to her beloved horse Paddy on Friday morning in Duckmanton, Derbys.
His body was then found a short time later across fields half a mile away.
Pals told how Gracie, 23, had filed a restraining order against him after he became “obsessed with her” following a date.
Derbyshire Police referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) — although it declined to give the reason.
The Sun on Sunday told how a dog walker had found a murder kit filled with knives, an axe and a note saying “Don’t lie” close to the spot where she died, six weeks before Gracie was killed.
An IOPC spokesman added: ‘We have been notified that a referral is being made by the force. When we receive it, we will carry out an assessment to determine what further action is needed by us."
Pals said the pair, who used to work together, had been on one date.
They claim she had taken out a restraining order against him after he continued to turn up at the stables.
A friend said: “He became obsessed with her and wouldn’t leave her alone.”
Devastated workers at XBite at Markham Vale Business Park, Derbys, were in tears when the news was broken of tragic colleague Gracie’s’ death on Friday.
Nearly £7,000 has to look after her beloved horse Paddy.
Heartbroken friends are also planning a vigil in her memory.
A message on the page said: “Gracie was a beautiful girl, at just 23 years old she had already touched so many people’s lives and what gorgeous memories she leaves behind.
“She was also so, so stubborn and she’d always stand up for what was right.
“If you knew Gracie you’d also know she was horsey mad and had the most gorgeous horse called Paddy whom she loved dearly.
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“Although no amount of money could ever bring Gracie back, I ask that you please donate whatever you can to help.
“Just to make you aware that all donations will be given to Gracie's family to care for Paddy, her horse who she leaves behind. This is at her family’s request.
“We all love you so dearly Gracie, behave up there.”
HOW YOU CAN GET HELP
Women's Aid has this advice for victims and their families:
- Always keep your phone nearby.
- Get in touch with charities for help, including the Women’s Aid live chat helpline and services such as SupportLine.
- If you are in danger, call 999.
- Familiarise yourself with the Silent Solution, reporting abuse without speaking down the phone, instead dialing “55”.
- Always keep some money on you, including change for a pay phone or bus fare.
- If you suspect your partner is about to attack you, try to go to a lower-risk area of the house – for example, where there is a way out and access to a telephone.
- Avoid the kitchen and garage, where there are likely to be knives or other weapons. Avoid rooms where you might become trapped, such as the bathroom, or where you might be shut into a cupboard or other small space.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse, SupportLine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6pm to 8pm on 01708 765200. The charity’s email support service is open weekdays and weekends during the crisis – [email protected].
Women’s Aid provides a - available every day from 10am-6pm.
You can also call the freephone 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
