New details emerge in murder of Iowa State star golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena
New information has come to light in the murder of 22-year-old Iowa State champion golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena. Arozamena was found near a golf course in Ames, Iowa, on Monday morning, and 22-year-old Collin Daniel Richards has been arrested and charged with her murder. Richards is being held on $5 million cash bond, and the Associated Press reported on Tuesday that he has a history of violent crimes.
The suspect has a history of violence
According to the AP, Richards is homeless and has a long history of violence, drug use and run-ins with law enforcement. In the past, he’s been arrested and charged with abusing his girlfriend, burglarizing a gas station and smashing a pick-up truck with a baseball bat.
In one case, Richards allegedly threatened to shoot clerks at a convenience store after they caught him shoplifting. In another, Richards admitted he stole a man’s pickup truck while high on drugs. In a third, the Iowa State Patrol seized a long knife from him during a traffic stop.
The Des Moines Register reported that an acquaintance of Richards spoke to police, and he revealed some disturbing details.
The man said when he and Richards were walking on a trail near the golf course in the last few days, Richards “had made a statement to the effect of having an urge to rape and kill a woman,” according to the complaint.
The criminal complaint from the Ames police also revealed that Arozamena sustained “several stab wounds to the upper torso, head and neck,” but no additional details of her injuries have been released. The statement from the city of Ames that was released on Monday said that Arozamena was assaulted before she died.
Tributes to Arozamena
Arozamena was a student and a champion golfer at Iowa State. Since her tragic death, tributes, thoughts and prayers have poured in.
“Celia had an infectious smile, a bubbly personality and anyone fortunate enough to know her was blessed. Our Cyclone family mourns the tragic loss of Celia, a spectacular student-athlete and ISU ambassador.” – ISU Athletics Director Jamie Pollard
🔗https://t.co/NmFiYlvvOV pic.twitter.com/qHVaqFE2jS
— Iowa State WGolf (@CycloneWGOLF) September 18, 2018
One of the most delightful student-athletes you could possibly meet. Great sense of humor and personality. Heartbreaking. RIP Champ. https://t.co/APuHqHbgY7
— John Walters (@JWcyclonestv) September 18, 2018
The USGA is deeply saddened to learn of the death of 2018 U.S. Women’s Open competitor Celia Barquin Arozamena. Her family, friends and the golf community at Iowa State University are in our thoughts. pic.twitter.com/n4q3kgYvD8
— USGA (@USGA) September 18, 2018
The LPGA is deeply saddened to learn the terrible news about Celia Barquin Arozamena. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and the entire Iowa State community as they mourn her tragic passing. https://t.co/kIwqCuV4Ik
— LPGA (@LPGA) September 18, 2018
Friends pay their respects to Celia Barquín Arozamena @MeditLadiesOpen 🇪🇸
LET players will honour Celia with a minute’s silence during the speeches at this evenings function, during the Pro-Am prize giving presentations, at midday during the 1st round & wear black ribbons. pic.twitter.com/F3dNMWxlha
— Ladies European Tour (@LETgolf) September 18, 2018
From our department to yours @CycloneATH, we are grieving the loss of Celia Barquin Arozamena with you. You are in our thoughts and prayers 🙏 pic.twitter.com/QcnXzzW0Gl
— Viking Athletics (@VikingAthletics) September 18, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with Celia's family, friends, and the entire @IowaStateU community. pic.twitter.com/OGaurKcQEy
— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) September 18, 2018
We are saddened to hear this news and we send prayers of love and comfort to @CycloneWGOLF and Celia’s family. https://t.co/C73NybhNcM
— MSU Women's Golf 🏌️♀️ (@HailStateWG) September 18, 2018
Watching this Iowa State file video of Big 12 golf champion Celia Barquin Arozamena, knowing she lost her life in violent fashion while out practicing to get better, is heartbreaking, and enraging. pic.twitter.com/M6Nc4F1vUz
— Keith Murphy (@MurphyKeith) September 18, 2018
Just woke up to the tragic news of Celia Barquín's murder. She was just 22 years old. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this incredibly difficult time, may she rest in peace. #RIPCelia pic.twitter.com/6vsmGtLfII
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) September 18, 2018
My heart breaks for the Iowa State University community, Celia’s family and friends, and truly all of Iowa. Tragic. 🙏🏻
— Zach Johnson (@ZachJohnsonPGA) September 18, 2018
Matt Campbell, Iowa State’s head football coach, took some time out of his weekly briefing to pay tribute to Arozamena.
Here is head coach Matt Campbell's statement from his weekly newsconference – on the loss of Celia Barquin Arozamena pic.twitter.com/cUPop0UmgD
— Cyclone Football (@CycloneFB) September 18, 2018
Kyle Kempt, the quarterback for Iowa State, tweeted on Tuesday that Arozamena’s teammates want everyone at Saturday’s football game wear her favorite color, yellow, as a tribute to her.
My prayers go out Celia’s friends, family, and everyone affected by this terrible tragedy. If you are attending the game this Saturday, please wear yellow to honor Celia at the request of her teammates. pic.twitter.com/Z2pBHuCF6c
— Kyle Kempt (@KyleKempt) September 18, 2018
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Liz Roscher is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at lizroscher@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter at @lizroscher.
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