Suspect in Iowa Golfer’s Murder Linked to 3 Knives, Court Documents Reveal

New evidence has emerged in the horrific fatal stabbing of Spanish star golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena, suggesting that her murderer may have had three knives on him at the time of her killing.

One knife was recovered by investigators at a campsite in Ames, Iowa, a location linked to the 22-year-old suspect Collin Richards, court documents show, according to the Des Moines Register.

Two other kitchen knives with blades longer than 4 inches—one of which was serrated—were reportedly found at a home where Richards allegedly showered after Arozamena’s slaying.

Richards was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Arozamena’s Sept. 17 death.

Arozamena’s body was found in a pond at the Coldwater Links golf course in Ames, Iowa. She was a former civil engineering student at Iowa State University and was ranked 69th nationally for US women’s golf.

Celia Barquin Arozamena poses for a photo on Sept. 7, 2017. The former Iowa State University golfer was found dead in Ames, Iowa on Sept. 17, 2018. (Luke Lu/Iowa State University via AP)

Richards is being held on a $5 million cash bond and made a brief statement during a hearing at the Story County Courthouse on Oct. 12, according to the Des Moines Register.

Suspect Known to Carry Knives

A witness reportedly told police that when Richards arrived at the home where two of the knives were found, he was disheveled and covered in sand, blood, and water.

A man also told investigators he had spotted Richards with a knife that had a serrated back edge. Police officers who had encountered Richards previously also said he carried knives, according to the report.

Officials have not disclosed which knife was used to kill the woman, who died of multiple stab wounds caused by a knife that was at least 4 inches long. Arozamena suffered two stab wounds that had serration marks, an autopsy revealed, according to court documents cited in the report.

Investigators said they were called to the golf course at around 10 a.m. on Sept. 17 when golfers found an unattended golf bag. Officers then discovered the body “some distance away” from the bag, and they later determined that she had been assaulted and later died.

A short time later, officers encountered Richards in a homeless camp near the course after a police dog tracked Arozamena’s scent to the area. Richards had fresh cuts and scratches consistent with fighting and also tried to conceal his left hand from officers, according to an Ames police criminal complaint.

A witness also said that Richards allegedly talked about “having an urge to rape and kill a woman,” CBS reported.

Story County Attorney Jessica Reynolds called the murder a “random act of violence.”

Relatives Mourn Arozamena’s Death

Arozamena’s friends and family expressed grief at her death.

“We are all very affected by what has happened,” said Andres Barquin, the victim’s brother, who spoke to reporters in the Spanish village of Puente San Miguel.

“She was so happy. She just had this great light about her,” said Arozamena’s coach Christie Martens, according to CBS. She added that her teammates were having difficulty coping with her death. “She was really close with them ... She’s really special to me. And I really, I love her a lot.”

Celia Barquin Arozamena hitting on to the ninth green during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open Championship at Shoal Creek on May 31, 2018. (John David Mercer-USA Today Sports/File Photo)

Iowa State University Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard conveyed condolences.

“Celia had an infectious smile, a bubbly personality and anyone fortunate enough to know her was blessed,” Pollard said in a news release. “Our Cyclone family mourns the tragic loss of Celia, a spectacular student-athlete and ISU ambassador.”

Richards has been charged with first-degree murder and could spend the rest of his life in prison.