UK2 min(s) read
British mom, 27, charged with murdering male model, 37, found dying in the street
A 27-year-old mother of two, Natalie Chadwick, broke down in court after being charged with the murder of 37-year-old male model Luke Harden.
Chadwick appeared at Blackburn Magistrates' Court alongside Bhekisani Matabiswana, a 26-year-old Zimbabwean man known locally as Nick, who also faces the same charge. The two are accused of killing Harden early on Saturday morning in Bacup, Lancashire.
Harden was discovered on Newchurch Road by patrolling officers, who found paramedics attempting to resuscitate him. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A post-mortem examination was carried out by the Home Office, but the cause of death remains unclear as the investigation continues, the Daily Mail reports. During the brief court hearing, Chadwick and Matabiswana only confirmed their names, ages, and addresses, with family members of both the victim and the accused present in the courtroom.
Court hearing and investigation details
Chadwick and Matabiswana are scheduled to appear at Preston Crown Court on Friday. Police are urging the public for assistance, requesting dash-cam and doorbell footage from the area between 11:45PM and 12:35AM on Saturday, as well as information from anyone who may have been at the nearby Rosemount Working Men’s Club on the night of the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Bryony Midgley has addressed speculation, clarifying that Matabiswana is not an asylum seeker, and urged the public to avoid making guesses about the cause of Harden’s death, leaving that matter to medical experts.
Tributes and community support
Harden’s family expressed their devastation over his death, sharing their deep sorrow and the loss they feel. They mentioned how loved he was, not just as a son, but as a brother, grandson, and friend, and how his memory would remain cherished by everyone who knew him.
The Manchester-based modelling agency that represented Harden described him as one of their favourite models, respected by everyone he worked with. Before his identity was publicly confirmed, social media tributes referred to him by his nickname, “Duke,” with many describing his vibrant and friendly personality.
Harden was also known for his community involvement, particularly with The Ginger Heart Foundation, a suicide-prevention charity. He had volunteered at events for the foundation, helping to plan and DJ at a memorial for a man who had tragically taken his own life.
The charity expressed its sadness at his passing, noting the positive energy and creativity he brought to every event, as well as the strong impact he had on those around him.
Police have assured the public that they are treating the incident as isolated while maintaining a visible presence in the area as a precaution.