A mother-of-two has appeared in court charged with the murder of a male model who was found dying on a street in Lancashire.
Court Appearance Following Tragic Discovery
Natalie Chadwick, aged 27, from Bacup, is accused of killing 37-year-old Luke Harden, known as Duke to his friends. She faces the charge alongside Bhekisani Matabiswana, a 26-year-old Zimbabwean national, who is also from the Bacup area.
The case reached Blackburn Magistrates' Court on Wednesday for a brief hearing. Both defendants spoke only to confirm their identities during the proceeding.
Mr Harden was discovered by officers on patrol, lying on a pavement in Bacup, at approximately 12.35am on November 1. Despite the immediate efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Investigation and Family Tribute
A post-mortem examination was conducted on Sunday, but the cause of Mr Harden's death has not yet been officially confirmed by authorities.
Lancashire Police have launched a widespread investigation and are now urgently appealing for information. Detectives are asking for any dashcam or doorbell footage captured in the area between 11.45pm and 12.35am on the night of the incident.
They have also called for witnesses who were at the nearby Rosemount Working Men's Club on Friday night to come forward if they have not already spoken to officers.
In a moving tribute, Luke Harden's heartbroken family expressed their profound grief. They described him as a special son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend, and friend, whose beautiful, smiling face they would hold in their memories forever.
Emotional Scene at the Magistrates' Court
The court hearing was an emotionally charged affair. Mr Harden's family and girlfriend were present in the public gallery, accompanied by police officers. Sitting just metres away were members of Natalie Chadwick's family.
Chadwick, dressed in a grey hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, required assistance from security staff to be taken to the cells after the hearing. Matabiswana, wearing a blue Lonsdale hoodie, was seen lowering his head during the proceedings.
Both defendants have been remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear next at Preston Crown Court.
