Marelle Sturrock murder probe: Suspect David Yates’ body found in reservoir after cops’ 60-hour search of beauty spot

MURDER suspect David Yates’ body was found tonight after cops spent more than 60 hours searching a 600-acre beauty spot.

The hunt for Yates, 36, came to a grim end when the corpse was pulled from a reservoir at Mugdock Country Park, near Glasgow.

He is believed to have killed his pregnant fiancee Marelle Sturrick, 35, who died with her unborn baby.

The teacher, 35, was discovered lifeless nine miles away at the flat she shared with Yates in the city’s Craigton on Tuesday morning.

Officers then located his abandoned white Seat Ateca in a remote car park at the popular park.

The  body find followed a police press conference hours earlier where cops refused to say whether Yates was known to them before Marelle’s murder — and declined to give details about a suspected motive or the couple’s relationship.

Detective Superintendent Nicola Kilbane also said she had “no idea of the whereabouts” of the couple’s pet dog — and would   not reveal if police had found any other items     at the park belonging to Yates.

But she confirmed that Marelle, originally from Wick in Caithness, was 29 weeks’ pregnant at the time of her murder.

On prime suspect Yates, Det Supt Kilbane added: ““At this time we have no information to suggest anyone else has been involved.

“The last confirmed sighting of David was on Sunday evening shortly after 8pm.

“His subsequent movements are unknown after his vehicle was left at Mugdock Country Park.”

The officer added: “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.”

It is understood   Marelle’s worried colleagues at Sandwood Primary in Penilee, Glasgow, alerted police after calling at her home when she failed to show up for work on Tuesday.

We told how officers then discovered her dead inside at 8.40am. 

Headteacher Fiona Donnelly paid tribute to Marelle, who was also a talented am-dram star and had performed on stage with Yates.

Ms Donnelly said: “Marelle has been a much-loved member of our school community since her probationary year more than six years ago and has taught many year groups throughout her time at the school.

“We will all miss her so much. She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone.

“Marelle used her artistic talents across the school and was our music champion who has been a key player in the success of our school choirs; with one of her classes going to see her on stage at The King’s in one of her many acting roles outside  of school.

“We are a school community in mourning and are devastated by the tragic news of her death and pass on our deepest condolences to her family and friends as we all come to terms with our loss.”

Meanwhile, shocked locals continued to leave tributes including flowers, a teddy bear and a doll outside Marelle’s home as police stood guard.

Three officers in forensic suits and masks were seen entering the house with evidence bags just before 2pm.

 A note on one bouquet  said: “From Rebekah from Sandwood. I will miss you loads.” Another added: “Sadly you’re gone. You’ll be missed. RIP Marelle Sturrock.” A blue baby blanket was placed on top of  flowers in tribute to Marelle’s unborn  tot   by two members of the public.

One grieving friend, who declined to be named, said: “She was so lovely, always had a smile on her face — it’s atrocious,     really shocking.

“All our thoughts are with her family, friends and the loss of her little baby.”

Specialist dive units were seen searching Mugdock Reservoir in the hours before yesterday’s body find.

An area along the lake’s edge had been taped off for much of the day, with dog walkers and visitors turned away from the popular leisure spot.

Further along the road leading to the park, South Lodge car park was also closed to the public. But police began scaling back the cordon before confirming a corpse had been pulled from the water.

 A horse unit was also seen patrolling the pathways connecting the visitors centre with Mugdock Castle and other attractions.

Despite the police presence, walkers were seen in the park but admitted their thoughts were with the   teacher and her loved ones.

A regular visitor said: “It’s an awful, heartbreaking set of circumstances and   impossible to imagine what the poor woman’s family are going through.”

It’s understood the tragic teacher and Yates got engaged in 2015.

She was pictured  in a final social media snap smiling and enjoying a meal out with friends in Glasgow on Sunday, just hours before her death.

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