Video shows tragic teacher playing with puppy and partner wanted over her death
A video has emerged showing a murdered mum-to-be playing in the garden with a puppy alongside her fiancé, who was wanted over her death.
The body of heavily pregnant teacher Marelle Sturrock, 35, was discovered by police at her flat in Glasgow, Scotland, on Tuesday morning.
Long-term partner David Yates, 36, was sought by investigators in connection with her death before a man's body was dragged out of a reservoir in a park yesterday.
The footage is from September 2020, after the couple adopted the puppy, called Samwise.
Marelle is seen laughing as she frolics with the little pet who has a bow on his collar.
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The original version of the video included the Randy Newman song You've Got A Friend in Me from the Toy Story films.
Marelle Sturrock and David Yates with their puppy Samwise (Facebook)The man's remains found by police are yet to be formally identified but are believed to be those of Yates.
His car had been found by police parked at Mugdock Country Park, leading to an intensive search.
Marelle and Yates had first met in September 2011 and their baby was due later in the summer.
Marelle plays with the dog in the video (Facebook)The teacher - who was 29 weeks pregnant - was found dead after colleagues raised the alarm when she didn't show up for work at a primary school.
Her unborn child was also tragically found not to have survived.
One person who knew Yates described him as "very quiet" and added: "I know he lost his dad last year and his dog also died at New Year."
Yates frolics with the dog (Facebook)He previously ran a podcast called Tol' Tales: A Charity Reading of The Lord of the Rings which he said was inspired by his fiancée having never read the fantasy books.
He posted regularly on Facebook about Samwise - named after a J.R.R. Tolkien character - though it is understood it was an older family dog that died, rather than the puppy in the video.
It's unclear what has happened to the younger dog, but there is some suggestion it is now living with Yates' mum.
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The couple posted plenty of updates on Samwise as he grew up (Facebook)
Marelle and Yates adopted Samwise in 2020 (Facebook)Tributes have, meanwhile, flooded in for Marelle, including from friend Alec Nicholson, who described her as an "exceptionally beautiful" and "kind" person.
He told the Mirror: "She was just an exceptionally beautiful human. I mean, of course, anyone would say that about someone whose loss they’re mourning, but she really was incredibly special. So beautiful, so talented, but so kind."
He added: "It’s very shocking and we’re all struggling to comprehend how it’s possible. Just a lovely, lovely girl."
Yates was wanted in connection to Marelle's death (Facebook)Marelle was originally from Wick in the Scottish Highlands, but moved to Glasgow aged 17 to pursue a career in the performing arts.
The singer posted regular videos on social media of her performing songs, creating an online community for other performers to share their talents.
Fiona Donnelly, headteacher of Sandwood Primary School where she worked, 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.
Police divers searching a reservoir at Mugdock Country Park (Garry McHarg/Daily Record)"We will all miss her so much. She was a lovely, kind, diligent and considerate person who loved and made time for everyone."
A brief statement from the force on Thursday evening said the body was discovered in a reservoir in the park and, while yet to be formally identified, it is believed to be that of Yates.
"An investigation remains ongoing but nothing has been established so far to suggest anyone else was involved in her death," a spokesperson said.
"Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal in due course."
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