A husband appeared in court Wednesday after being charged with the murder of his wife — just six months after she had a baby via in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Matthew Fisher, 29, is accused of killing Abi Fisher, also 29, whose body was found in undergrowth following her disappearance, which sparked a police hunt.
Dressed in a prison-issued grey jumper and jogging bottoms and wearing a face mask, Fisher spoke only to confirm his name, age, and address at Magistrates Court in Leeds, England.
He was not asked to enter a plea during the brief hearing and he will appear before Leeds Crown Court on Thursday.
Members of Abi's heartbroken family were present for the hearing and wept as District Judge Charlotte Holland told Fisher: "This case is too serious to run in this court.
"You will be sent to Leeds Crown Court at 9:30 tomorrow. You will remain in custody until then."
Abi had not been seen since Friday night when she left her home in Castleford, West Yorkshire, in northern England.
Her family said her disappearance "completely out of character" and a major police search was launched.
West Yorkshire Police confirmed Monday they found a body in undergrowth off Southmoor Road, near Brierley, South Yorkshire, over the weekend.
Tributes were paid to Abi, who was an elementary school teacher at Featherstone All Saints Church of England Academy.
In a statement released by the school, head teacher Matthew Jones said: "She will be remembered as an enthusiastic, kind and caring teacher and colleague, who gave her all each day.
"In particular, her passion for science inspired countless children over the years - she made a real difference to so many lives.
"We are all devastated by Abi's tragic death, and will continue to pray for her and her family.
"As a school we are supporting each other through this very difficult time."
Abi and Matthew were married in 2017 and the pair had a baby girl just six months ago following IVF treatments.
In an emotional tribute issued via police on Thursday, Abi's family released a photograph of her with her now motherless daughter.
"Our beautiful Abi. Words cannot describe how utterly devastated we are at the loss of you. We miss you dearly," the statement read.
"We promise to make you proud every single day, and will continue to bring up your amazing little baby girl the way you would. Heaven may have gained an angel but we have lost you and that for us seems like the most unjust act to happen.
"We as a family would like to thank every single person who showed enough heart and love to look for our precious angel. Words will never describe how much this means.
"For now our beautiful angel. We love you so much."
Produced in association with SWNS.
This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
