AMES, IOWA — Star golfer Celia Barquin Arozemena, 22, was found dead at a golf course Monday morning near Iowa State University, police say.
Around 10:24 a.m., officers were called to Coldwater Golf course–located at 1400 South Grand Avebue–after golfers had located a golf bag with no one around it on the course.
Officers responded and with the help of the golf course staff, located the body in the water near the ninth tee box. Police say Arozemena was stabbed in the upper torso, head and neck.
During a search of the wooded area, officers encountered a man who spoke of another individual who was also living in the woods. He said the man would talk about wanting to ‘rape and murder women.’
A while later, officers found the suspect in the woods. He was identified as Collin Daniel Richards, 22. He has been charged with Murder in the 1st degree, a Class “A” Felony. Richards is homeless.
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Celia, born in Spain, was an Iowa State University student and stand-out golfer. According to ESPN, ‘Barquin Arozamena won the Big 12 championship by three strokes in April. She was a three-time all-conference selection, earned first-team All-Big 12 academic honors three times and qualified for NCAA regionals in all four years she competed. She became the third Cyclones women’s golfer to compete in the U.S. Women’s Open Championship.’
“We are all devastated,” Iowa State head women’s golf coach Christie Martens said. “Celia was a beautiful person who was loved by all her teammates and friends. She loved Iowa State and was an outstanding representative for our school. We will never forget her competitive drive to be the best and her passion for life.”
“This is a tragic and senseless loss of a talented young woman and an acclaimed student athlete,” Iowa State University president Dr. Wendy Wintersteen said in a prepared statement. “We mourn with her family and friends in Spain, her teammates here and all who knew her. On behalf of the entire Cyclone family, I extend our deep condolences to Celia’s family and her many friends and teammates at Iowa State. We are deeply saddened.”
Anyone with information relating to this incident is encouraged to contact the Ames Police Department at 239-5133 or the anonymous tip line, 239-5533.
