Stepfather Accused of Obsession and Murder of University Student
Prosecutors allege Nathan Owens drove through the night to murder Carla Georgescu at her campus accommodation, motivated by sexual jealousy.
Nathan Owens, 34, stands accused of murdering his 19-year-old stepdaughter, Carla Georgescu, at her University of Lancashire campus accommodation on February 4. Prosecutors allege Owens drove from the family home in Hartlepool without informing his wife, Carla's mother, to commit the act.
Preston Crown Court was shown footage of Owens arriving at Ribble Hall, a block of student flats, around 4 a.m. with his head obscured by a blanket. He is accused of strangling Carla, a second-year clinical psychology student, who was allegedly about to meet a man she had connected with online.
The prosecution suggests Owens' actions were motivated by 'sexual jealousy' and an 'escalating fascination' with Carla. Jurors heard that Owens allegedly engaged in sexual acts with a life-sized effigy of his stepdaughter, clothed in her nightdress.
Footage also showed Owens leaving the accommodation about an hour and a half later, reportedly shielding himself with an umbrella and wearing a face mask, while carrying Carla's trainers and two bags. He is accused of attempting to cover his tracks and mislead his wife.
Carla's mother became concerned when she could not reach her daughter and contacted university security the following day, which would have been Carla's 20th birthday. A welfare check revealed Carla slumped against a wardrobe door with a belt around her neck. Initially, authorities believed she may have died by suicide.
The prosecution claims Owens had developed a 'one-sided sexual obsession' with Carla, alleging he took photos of her without her knowledge, filmed himself with dolls and toys, and manipulated images to appear sexual. He is also accused of accessing further images of Carla while deriving sexual satisfaction.
Carla had reportedly battled depression since arriving in the UK at age 12 and suffered from endometriosis. She had recently accessed NHS mental health services, indicating she had thought about ending her life, but later told a doctor she was 'OK now'.
Owens denies charges of murder, intentional strangulation, and grievous bodily harm with intent. The trial is ongoing.