Man appears in court charged with murder of University of Lancashire student Carla Georgescu
A man has appeared in court charged with murder of 19-year-old Preston student.
Emergency services were called to Ribble Hall student accommodation on the University of Lancashire campus in Victoria Street at 1.15pm on Thursday (February 5).
Officers found the body of 19-year-old Carla Georgescu, a second-year student, inside one of the flats.
Nathan Owens, 34, of Hopps Street, Hartlepool has been charged with Carla’s murder. He was also charged with strangulation and causing grieving bodily harm - all charges relate to the same victim.
Appearing at a preliminary hearing yesterday at Preston Magistrates’ Court, Owens entered no plea.
He was remanded in custody until his next plea and trial hearing in April, with a trial date provisionally set for October.
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Paying tribute, a spokesperson for the the the University of Lancashire said: “As a university community, we are shocked and saddened by this loss and we are working closely with the police to support their ongoing enquiries.
“Our thoughts are very much with Carla-Maria’s loved ones, friends, and all those who knew her at this incredibly distressing time.”
Members of Lancashire Students’ Union held a Remembering Carla-Maria candlelit vigil yesterday evening at St. Peter’s Square, Preston Campus (between the Students’ Union and the Library) from 5pm.