A mother facing charges in connection with the death of a male model discovered injured on a street has had her photo revealed for the first time. Luke Harden, 37, also known as Duke, was found by patrolling officers lying on a sidewalk in Bacup, Lancashire, around 12:35 am on November 1. Despite efforts by paramedics to save him, Mr. Harden was declared dead at the scene. The exact cause of his death is pending confirmation following a post-mortem examination carried out on Sunday.
Natalie Chadwick, a 27-year-old mother of two, is accused of the murder of Luke Harden, 37, alongside 26-year-old Zimbabwean national Bhekisani Matabiswana. Both Chadwick and Matabiswana, residents of Bacup, confirmed their identities during a brief session at Blackburn Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Mr. Harden’s family, girlfriend, police officers, and Chadwick’s family members attended the hearing. Chadwick, dressed in a grey hoodie and tracksuit bottoms, required assistance from security staff to the cells.
Matabiswana, in a blue Lonsdale hoodie, was observed lowering his head. Both are set to appear at Preston Crown Court today. Police are actively investigating the case and are requesting any dashcam or doorbell footage from the area between 11:45 pm and 12:35 am. They are also urging witnesses who were at the nearby Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night to come forward.
In a heartfelt 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 anyone with information, dashcam, or doorbell footage from the period between 11:45 pm and 12:35 am to come forward. Additionally, individuals who were present at the Rosemount Working Men’s Club on Friday night and have not yet been interviewed are urged to contact authorities.