A woman is on trial in Georgia for the alleged brutal murder of her friend, whom prosecutors say was strangled, dismembered, and mutilated by her and her boyfriend just weeks after moving to Atlanta.
Katelyn Goble, 30, is accused of killing Morgan Bauer, 19, in February 2016. Prosecutors allege that Goble and her then-boyfriend, Alex Warren, lured Bauer to a home in Newton County, where they strangled her. The prosecution further claims that over several days, the pair mutilated Bauer's body, beheading and dismembering her.
Warren was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2024 for his role in the murder. He also reportedly told officers that he and Goble had engaged in cannibalistic acts, consuming parts of Bauer's body, according to reports.
Bauer had moved to Atlanta from South Dakota in 2016 and met Goble, who was also 19 at the time. Both women were reportedly working as exotic dancers. Bauer was last seen leaving a nightclub called Top of Gainesville on February 25, 2016. She was reportedly dropped off at a Citgo gas station in Covington before disappearing.
Bauer's mother, Sherri Keenan, recalled giving her daughter a penny for safekeeping before she disappeared, telling her to keep it in her pocket to stay safe.
Discovery of Remains
Bauer's remains were not discovered until 2023, when the FBI and local law enforcement found her bones in Porterdale, Georgia. Defense attorneys for Goble have argued that she did not participate in the murder but assisted in disposing of the body. They also stated that Goble provided information to officials that led to the discovery of Bauer's remains.
Prosecutors presented evidence, including social media history from Goble, which they claim showed an alleged fascination with serial killers and the occult. According to reports, Goble's boyfriend allegedly told officials that Goble had an interest in forensic pathology and expressed a desire to murder someone to dismember a body.
Goble was not arrested until 2023. She was initially charged with tampering with evidence. A grand jury later returned a five-count indictment against her, including charges of malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, and concealing a death. Goble's trial for malice murder is ongoing.