Weapons cache found near where model, 23, with a 'stalker' was killed

June 19, 2021

Revealed: Weapons cache of an axe, a hammer and knives that was found in woods with a note saying ‘don’t lie’ – near where model, 23, with a ‘stalker’ was killed by man in ‘murder suicide’

Gracie Spinks, 23, was found seriously injured and died at scene in Duckmanton,
Roads in and out of the area were cordoned off after her assailant reportedly fled
Hours later police said the situation was ‘resolved’ after a man’s body was found
Backpack was found six weeks ago filled with a cache of weapons including axe

A backpack filled with an axe, a hammer and knives was found close to where a model, 23, was killed, it has been revealed.

Part-time model Gracie Spinks was murdered in an apparent murder suicide in the picturesque village of Duckmanton in Derbyshire on Friday morning.

Six weeks ago a walker found a backpack filled with a cache of weapons on a farmer’s track just 100 yards away from where Ms Spinks was killed.

Anna White said she brought the bag to her local police station but was told nothing could be done.

Yesterday, roads in and out of the area were cordoned off after Ms Spinks’ assailant reportedly fled towards a country park.

A primary school went into lockdown and local businesses were issued with a description of a suspect in grey jogging bottoms and a black top.

But by lunchtime police said the situation had been ‘resolved’ after the body of a man in his 30s was discovered around half a mile away.

Part-time model Gracie Spinks, 23, was found seriously injured in Duckmanton, Derbyshire, yesterday morning but died at the scene

Six weeks ago a walker found a backpack filled with a cache of weapons on a farmer’s track just 100 yards away from where Ms Spinks was killed. It also had a note reading ‘don’t lie’

A waterbottle was among the cache of weapons found inside the orange backpack

After realising the bag she found was close to the scene of Ms Spinks’ death, Ms White wrote on social media: ‘I found a backpack six weeks ago on the farmers track directly opposite Tom Lane. The contents of which were extremely disturbing.

‘I contacted the police and handed the bag to them. They basically said they wouldn’t be investigating further despite the obvious fact that DNA would have been recoverable (water bottle and clothing).

‘If this is in anyway linked to this incident then the police have some major questions to answer. The whole purpose of me handing it in was in the hope that a future tragedy could be prevented. They may not be linked but it does seem very odd !!’

Now friends of the 23-year-old, who lived in Old Whittington, around five miles from where her body was found, have revealed how she had long been bothered by a man, said to have been ‘obsessed’ with her.

Ms White wrote on social media: ‘I found a backpack six weeks ago on the farmers track directly opposite Tom Lane. The contents of which were extremely disturbing’

One told the Sun: ‘We are aware that she had a stalker but didn’t know who he was. We heard she had taken out a restraining order against him because he was becoming quite a pest.

‘She’s a beautiful young woman, very popular, and he was obsessed with her and kept turning up at the stables. He was infatuated with her.’

Today, police, who have declined to discuss the possibility Gracie had a stalker known to them, continued to investigate at the scene.

Floral tributes have also been left in memory of the aspiring eventer and show jumper, whose family are said to be ‘besides themselves with grief’.

A forensic tent is set up in the picturesque Derbyshire village, where the 23-year-old’s body was found on Friday morning

Today, police, who have declined declined to discuss the possibility Gracie had a stalker known to them, continued to investigate at the scene

Floral tributes have also been left in memory of the aspiring eventer and show jumper, whose family are said to be ‘besides themselves with grief’

Friends said she lived for horses and riding and took part in showjumping and dressage competitions with her favourite, named Paddy

A map graphic shows the close distance – around half a mile – between where the two bodies were discovered yesterday

A villager, 28, who lives close to the spot where Miss Spinks was found, said: ‘The word locally is that this was a very vicious attack and possibly a crime of passion.

‘Gracie kept at least one horse on the land – it is grazing land where a number of people have horses and there is a temporary stable.

‘As I understand it, Gracie was looking after her horse when she was attacked. It is just awful.’

Friends said she lived for horses and riding and took part in showjumping and dressage competitions with her favourite, named Paddy.

After Derbyshire Police set up roadblocks around the community close to the M1 outside Chesterfield yesterday, a local resident wrote on Facebook: ‘I’ve been informed that, sadly, less than an hour ago a young woman was murdered on a farm less than half a mile from Poolsbrook Park.

‘The perpetrator… is believed to have fled towards the area of Poolsbrook Park. Anyone around that area please be careful.’

Friends of Miss Spinks, who worked for a local e-commerce company, posted tributes on Facebook last night.

Charlotte Pemberton, 23, who grew up with her, wrote: ‘RIP Gracie. Such a beautiful, kind young girl who’s been taken far too soon. Fly high sweet girl.’

Alicia Jordan wrote: ‘Oh Gracie Spinks… Heartbroken doesn’t even cut it… This world is so cruel.’

By Saturday afternoon, a GoFundMe page set up to help Ms Spinks’ family by Abbey Griffin, one of her friends, had raised more than £1,600.

Ms Griffin said: ‘Gracie was a beautiful girl at just 23 years old she had already touched so many people’s life and what gorgeous memories she leaves behind.

‘She was a caring and loving individual and was always happy to help. She was also so so stubborn and she’d always stand up for what was right.

‘If you knew Gracie you’d also know she was horsey mad and had the most gorgeous horse called Paddy whom she loved dearly.

‘Although no amount of money could ever bring Gracie back, I ask that you please donate what ever you can to help her family at this moment.

‘We all love you so dearly Gracie, behave up there.’

Friends of Miss Spinks, who worked for a local e-commerce company, posted tributes on Facebook last night with many saying she lived for horses and riding

Locals leave floral tributes in memory of Gracie Spinks at the scene where her body was discovered on Friday morning

An aerial shot shows the extent of the police cordon as detectives continue to investigate the tragedy in Derbyshire today

Derbyshire Police, pictured at the scene today, said it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths

Roads in and out of the area were cordoned off after her assailant reportedly fled towards a country park and investigations continue today

It is understood that Miss Spinks, who had studied art and design at Chesterfield College, did occasional modelling work for a London agency and took commissions online to do pet portraits

Roads in and out of Duckmanton in Derbyshire were cordoned off after her assailant reportedly fled towards a country park (pictured)

Ms Griffin also said she would be organising a balloon release from the Markham Vale business park, where Ms Spinks worked, on Monday June 28 to allow her friends to say their goodbyes.

It is understood that Miss Spinks, who had studied art and design at Chesterfield College, did occasional modelling work for a London agency and took commissions online to do pet portraits.

Derbyshire Police said it was not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

The force said: ‘A woman was found injured in a field near to Staveley Road at around 8.40am. Paramedics attended and the woman, who was in her early 20s, sadly died at the scene.

‘At 11am, the body of a man in his mid-30s was found in a field off Tom Lane, Duckmanton.

‘We have traced and informed both families and specialist officers are supporting them at this time.’

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