A NATIONWIDE hunt for missing midwife Samantha Eastwood has ended after cops discovered her body in rural wasteland.
But who is Michael Stirling and how did he know the 28-year-old midwife? Here is what we know so far.
3 Michael Stirling, 32, has been charged with the murder of Samantha Eastwood
Who is Michael Stirling and how did he know the midwife?
Michael Stirling is a fencing worker from Stoke-on-Trent.
The 32-year-old is the brother-in-law of Samantha Eastwood's ex-fiance, John Peake.
Stirling is married to Katie Stirling, John Peake's sister, who is also 32.
The couple live in Northwood, less than a mile away from Michael's parents, Stephen and Carol.
A source described Stirling as a "real outdoorsy type of man" who would "often go camping with his family".
3 Midwife Samantha Eastwood's disappearance sparked a nationwide hunt
Has he been charged with Samantha Eastwood's murder?
Stirling was charged with the murder of Samantha Eastwood on Sunday, August 5.
He was arrested along with his 60-year-old father Stephen, who is being quizzed for possibly assisting an offender.
An unnamed 28-year-old, thought to be a family friend, is also being interviewed over the same offence.
Samantha Eastwood's body was discovered on Saturday, August 4, eight days after her disappearance sparked a nationwide hunt.
Cops initially arrested Stirling on suspicion of kidnap but later arrested him on suspicion of murder.
Stirling has now been remanded in custody after appearing before North Staffordshire Justice Centre on August 6.
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When did Samantha go missing?
Samantha was last seen at 7.45am on July 27.
She was seen on CCTV leaving Royal Stoke University Hospital with a colleague.
She was last spotted driving her blue Volvo XC60 from the hospital car park and heading towards the Hilton Road exit in the Hartshill area of Stoke-on-Trent.
Her car was later found parked by her home with the keys still inside.
Samantha's body was found on August 4 in Caverswall.
Police confirm Samantha Eastwood’s body found as devastated family issue heartbreaking statement as they thank those who ‘tried their best’
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Image copyright Samantha Eastwood Image caption Samantha Eastwood's family have thanked members of the public for their support
Police investigating the death of 28-year-old midwife Samantha Eastwood have charged a man with her murder.
Michael Stirling, aged 32, from Stoke-on-Trent, is due to appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court later.
The body of Ms Eastwood was discovered when police searched rural ground near Caverswall, Staffordshire, on Saturday, eight days after she was last seen.
Two men, aged 60 and 28, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on conditional bail.
Staffordshire Police did not release any details of how the charged man was known to the victim, but several newspapers have reported Mr Stirling, of Cromer Road, is the brother-in-law of her ex-fiancé John Peake.
Ms Eastwood was last seen in uniform leaving work at Royal Stoke University Hospital on the morning of 27 July.
Staffordshire Police said a post-mortem examination had taken place but further tests were required.
In a statement released by the force, Ms Eastwood's family said: "We would like to say 'thank you' to all the people who followed Samantha's story and tried their best to help."
University Hospitals of North Midlands chief nurse Liz Rix described Ms Eastwood as "an absolutely dedicated and committed midwife" and a much-loved part of the team.
Searches involving dozens of officers and police sniffer dogs had centred on fields near Tickhill Lane, close to Caverswall.
Image copyright Samantha Eastwood Image caption Samantha Eastwood's family has thanked members of the public for their support
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 28-year-old midwife Samantha Eastwood.
Michael Stirling, of Gratton Road, Bucknall, was remanded in custody after appearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre earlier.
The body of Ms Eastwood was discovered in rural ground near Caverswall, Staffordshire, on Saturday, eight days after she was reported missing.
Mr Stirling, 32, is the brother-in-law of Ms Eastwood's ex-fiancé John Peake.
Image copyright PA Image caption Michael Stirling was remanded in custody after a brief hearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre
The charge states that Mr Stirling allegedly murdered Ms Eastwood between 26 July and 5 August at Baddeley Green.
At the hearing, he spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth. No members of Ms Eastwood's family were present.
Mr Stirling will next appear via video link at Stafford Crown Court on 8 August.
Two men, aged 60 and 28, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender have been released on conditional bail.
Image copyright Michael Stirling/ Facebook Image caption Mr Stirling will next appear at Stafford Crown Court via video link
Ms Eastwood was last seen in uniform leaving work at Royal Stoke University Hospital on the morning of 27 July.
Staffordshire Police said a post-mortem examination had taken place but further tests were required.
A fundraising page has been set up to help Ms Eastwood's family with funeral costs and has, so far, raised over £3,700.
People who knew the midwife have been leaving tributes on the page.
Rachel Duncker said: "Having volunteered at Brownies with Samantha, it was clear to see what a caring, lovely person she was. My thoughts are with her family at this awful time."
Gemma Fox added: "Sam was such an amazing midwife and I'm so grateful to have had the privilege of working with her during my training.
"I'm sure she will never be forgotten by the colleagues and patients whose lives she touched."
Claire Turner said: "Sam helped me recently in hospital though a very difficult time, I'm shocked and upset with what's happened to her, so I wanted to do something to help her family at this extremely difficult and sad time."
Image caption Tributes to the midwife have been left outside Royal Stoke University Hospital
Beth Taylor, who launched the site, said: "Samantha was a lovely young woman who helped to bring so many lives into this world.
"She had a bright future ahead of her and sadly this was taken away far too soon."
A man charged with the murder of midwife Samantha Eastwood has been remanded in custody after a brief appearance in court.
Michael Stirling, 32, is the brother-in-law of Miss Eastwood's former fiancé.
Stirling was charged after Miss Eastwood's body was found by officers searching rural land near to a quarry in Caverswall, Staffordshire on Saturday - eight days after she vanished.
The 28-year-old NHS worker was last seen in her uniform leaving work at Royal Stoke Hospital at 7.45am on July 27.
Staffordshire Police are today expected to reveal how the midwife died after a post-mortem took place yesterday, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports.
Flowers have been left outside Miss Eastwood's home and at Royal Stoke Hospital as heartbroken friends and family pay tribute to her.
