Mum, 27, charged with murder of male model left for dead on pavement | UK | News
A young mother jointly accused of Luke Harden’s murder has been photographed for the first time. Natalie Chadwick, 27, is accused of murdering Luke, who was discovered dying on the street. Luke, known as Duke to his friends, was a male model. He was found sprawled on the pavement by police after leaving a social club in Bacup, Lancashire, at around 12.35am on Saturday, November 1.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Mr. Harden was pronounced dead at the scene. Allegedly the cause of death has not yet been confirmed Manchester Evening News. Chadwick, a mother of two, faces charges along with 26-year-old Bhekisani Matabiswana, known locally as Nick. The pair appeared via video link at Preston Crown Court yesterday, Friday 7 November.
The couple spoke only to confirm their identities. Preston Honorary Recorder Judge Robert Altham scheduled the hearing for April 2026. Following Mr Harden’s death, his family paid a heartfelt tribute, describing him as ‘special’ and ‘beautiful’.
They stated: “There are no words to describe how devastated we all are. I wish our Luke could have seen the outpouring of love from everyone who knew him.”
“He is and always will be special to all of us as a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle, boyfriend and friend. You will forever be in our hearts and minds and we take comfort in knowing that we can close our eyes and your beautiful face will always smile at us. Rest in peace our wonderful Luke, until we meet again.”
Manchester-based Nemesis Model Agency posted a heartfelt tribute to Mr. Harden on its Facebook page.
The following statements were included in the statement: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the untimely death of LUKE HARDEN, one of our favorite models.
“Luke had been a model for Nemesis since 2013 and was loved by everyone who met him and respected by everyone who worked with him.”
Chadwick, of Hamerton Street, Bacup, and Matabiswana, of St James Street, Bacup, were remanded in custody until their next court appearance for a plea hearing on December 15.
Detectives are still trying to unravel the events leading up to Mr Harden’s tragic death and are appealing for anyone with doorbell or dashcam footage, or who was at the Rosemount Labor Club on October 31, to get in touch.
