A mother has been captured in a photograph for the first time after being charged with the murder of a male model discovered critically injured on a street. Luke Harden, 37, also known as Duke among his peers, was located by patrolling officers lying on a sidewalk in Bacup, Lancashire, around 12.35 am on November 1. Despite the efforts of paramedics to revive him, Mr. Harden was declared deceased at the scene. The exact cause of his death remains unconfirmed following a post-mortem examination conducted on Sunday.
Natalie Chadwick, a 27-year-old mother of two, is facing allegations of being involved in the killing of Luke Harden, alongside 26-year-old Bhekisani Matabiswana from Zimbabwe. Both Chadwick and Matabiswana, residents of Bacup, confirmed their identities during a brief appearance at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
During the court session, Mr. Harden’s family and girlfriend, accompanied by police officers, were seated in the public gallery, while Chadwick’s family members were positioned a short distance away. Chadwick, dressed in a grey hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, required assistance from security personnel to reach the holding cells. Matabiswana, wearing a blue Lonsdale hoodie, was observed lowering his head. Both are scheduled to appear at Preston Crown Court today.
Police authorities are actively investigating the case, urging individuals with dashcam or doorbell recordings from the area between 11.45 pm and 12.35 am to come forward. They are also seeking witnesses who were present at the nearby Rosemount Working Men’s Club on the night of the incident.
In a touching tribute, Mr. Harden’s family expressed their deep sorrow, stating, “There are no words to describe how devastated we all are. We wish our Luke could see the outpouring of love from everyone who knows him. He is and will always be special to us all, as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend, and friend. You will be forever in our hearts and minds, and we are comforted knowing we can shut our eyes and your beautiful face will always be smiling back at us. Rest in peace, our gorgeous Luke, until we will meet again.”
A spokesperson from Lancashire Police emphasized the importance of obtaining any dashcam or doorbell footage and appealing to individuals who were at the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on the evening in question but have not yet come forward.
