A 22 year old homeless man with a history of violence is charged with killing an Iowa State University golfer appeared in court Tuesday morning, and a judge set a $5 million cash-only bond.
The body of 22 year old Celia Barquín Arozamen was found Monday in a pond not far from an unattended golf bag at Coldwater Golf Links in Ames.
Police Commander Geoff Huff says she had been stabbed several times in the upper torso, head and neck. Police have charged Collin Daniel Richards with first-degree murder. Huff says Richards was living in a tent in woods near the golf course.
While they investigated the case, police spoke with a man who knew Richards and told them that Richards had told him recently "of having an urge to rape and kill women."
Police found Richards at a homeless camp. He had "fresh scratches on his face consistent with fighting," He also had a deep cut on his left hand. In Richards' backpack were bloodied clothes and a knife.
Barquín, the 2018 Big 12 champion, was golfing alone and the strange site of an abandoned golf bag led to the discovery of her body, Huff says. "It's extremely troubling," Huff said. "It's an awful thing that's happened."
She was also named Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year. She was described as "one of the most accomplished players in Cyclone golf history."
"Celia was a beautiful person who was loved by all her teammates and friends," said Christie Martens, Iowa State head women's golf coach.