Acclaimed Iowa State golfer found stabbed to death, homeless man charged with murder

A homeless man was charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of a highly accomplished former Iowa State University female golfer, whose body was found in a body of water at a golf course Monday morning.

Celia Barquin Arozamena’s body was found at Coldwater Golf Links, about two miles away from the university, after golfers spotted a golf bag with no one around it and called police to investigate. Barquin Arozamena, 22, who had been golfing alone, was found with stab wounds around her head, neck and upper body, said Ames Police Commander Geoff Huff.

Police found the suspect, Collin Daniel Richards, in a wooded area where he was living, not far from the golf course, Huff said. Officers discovered him after another person living in the woods told them that Richards “had made statements about wanting to rape and kill women,” Huff said. He added that Barquin Arozamena and Richards had no known relationship.

Richards had fresh scratches on his face and a cut on his hand, along with bloodied clothes and a knife in his backpack, Huff said.

On Tuesday, Richards appeared before a judge, where a state prosecutor alleged the murder was a “random act of violence,” according to NBC affiliate WHO. Richards’ bond was set at $5 million, police records show. His next hearing is set for Sept. 28. Huff said police have had “encounters with him in the past,” but didn’t go into detail.

Barquin Arozamena, from Puente San Miguel, Spain, was finishing up a civil engineering degree at Iowa State University, and had just wrapped up a stellar student golfing career, according to a statement from the school.

“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.”

Barquin Arozamena ended her Iowa State career with her fourth-straight NCAA Regional appearance, earning All-Big 12 Team honors for the third time and was named Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year, according to the school. This summer, she qualified for the U.S. Women’s Open, according to Golfchannel.com.

“This is a tragic and senseless loss of a talented young woman and an acclaimed student athlete,” said Iowa State University President Dr. Wendy Wintersteen. “We mourn with her family and friends in Spain, her teammates here and all who knew her.”

“Celia had an infectious smile, a bubbly personality and anyone fortunate enough to know her was blessed,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard echoed.

The Iowa State women’s golf team withdrew Tuesday from a competition at the East & West Match Play in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in order to return to Ames and “be with friends and family to grieve the loss of their former teammate,” a statement on their Facebook page said. The team won in the semifinals Monday and was scheduled to play UC Davis in the finals Tuesday.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but Barquin Arozamena will be honored at an Iowa State University football game on Saturday.