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

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A 22-year-old man was charged with first-degree murder in the stabbing death of a highly-accomplished former Iowa State University female golfer.

Celia Barquin Arozamena's body was found Monday morning at a golf course in Ames, Iowa, with stab wounds around her head, neck and upper body and police later in the day charged Collin Daniel Richards in her death. 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

The alleged killer has no known address, and police released no other information about the suspect, or a possible motive. Authorities said the two did not have any known ties.

Image: Spanish golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena with the winner's trophy at the European Ladies' Amateur Championship at Penati Golf Resort, Slovakia — Spanish golfer Celia Barquin Arozamena with the winner's trophy at the European Ladies' Amateur Championship at Penati Golf Resort, Slovakia.EGA / EPA file

Police were called to Coldwater Golf Links, about two miles away from the university, Monday morning after golfers spotted a golf bag with no one around it. Officers found Barquin Arozamena's body nearby and determined that she had died after being attacked.

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.

Image: Collin Daniel Richards — Collin Daniel Richards, who has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of Celia Barquin Arozamena, in Ames, Iowa, on Tuesday.Story County Sheriff / EPA

"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 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.

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