The family of the golf champion killed in Iowa expresses himself after his murder

A homeless man has been accused of murdering a college golf star in Iowa. The police say Celia Barquin ArozamenaA student from Iowa State University and the Amateur Women's European Champion were killed in broad daylight by a random act of violence Monday. His death marks the second major murder of a student in the state this year.

Another golfer called 911 when he found his abandoned clubs in the middle of a local fairway. The body of this 22-year-old man was found around 11 am in a pond near the ninth tee of Coldwater Golf Links. She had been stabbed to the chest, head and neck.

"She was so happy, she just had that great light on her," said Barquin coach Christie Martens, who said her teammates were struggling to keep up. "She was really close to them … She is really special to me and I really like her a lot."

Collin Daniel Richards, the 22-year-old murder suspect, briefly appeared in court Tuesday with apparent scratches in his face. He is charged with first degree murder.

Police said a K-9 had traced the scent of the victim to a nearby homeless camp where Richards was staying. They recovered a knife and two pairs of bloody shorts. A witness also said that the suspect, who had been released from jail in June, reportedly spoke of "the urge to rape and kill a woman".

In the hometown of Barquin, Spain, women cried in the streets and flags flew half-stick. His brother Andres spoke of the family's grief by saying, "We are all together, trying to put us together."

Barquin is the reigning champion of the Big 12 and the Iowa State Female Athlete of the Year. She had to have a degree in civil engineering. Barquin attended three courses given by Jim Alleman, who remembered his dedication to his homework.

"She was sincere about her education, she was not just there to play golf," said Alleman.

Richards' lawyer says his client will plead not guilty, according to the Des Moines Registry. Iowa State had planned to celebrate Barquin and his sporting achievements during a football match on Saturday. This ceremony will always be held, but now it will be a memorial.