Student Carla Georgescu, 19, Found Dead on Her Birthday as Stepfather Faces Murder Trial

A 19-year-old university student was found dead in her student accommodation on what should have been her 20th birthday. Now, a court is examining disturbing allegations against her stepfather, including claims that he developed an unhealthy sexual obsession with her in the months before her death.

Carla Georgescu was studying psychology at the University of Lancashire in Preston, England. Her stepfather, Nathan Owens, 34, denies murdering her and the other charges against him. The case is currently being heard at Preston Crown Court.

A Birthday Dinner Before the Tragedy

According to evidence presented to jurors, Carla spent the weekend of January 31 and February 1, 2026, shopping for presents with her mother, Janina, and watching television together.

On February 1, Owens drove from the family home in Hartlepool to join his wife and stepdaughter for a birthday meal at Kimji Korean restaurant in Preston.

Court footage reportedly showed Owens and Carla sitting together during the meal, including a moment when they were left alone. Afterward, Owens and Janina dropped Carla off at her university accommodation.

Three days later, prosecutors allege, Owens returned to Preston during the early hours of February 4.

CCTV Footage Becomes a Key Part of the Case

Jurors were shown surveillance footage that prosecutors say captured Owens arriving near Carla’s student residence in a Ford Puma. According to the prosecution, he covered himself with a blanket before making his way toward Ribble Hall.

The court heard that he allegedly left approximately 90 minutes later, using an umbrella for concealment and wearing a face mask and shoes belonging to Carla while carrying two bags.

Prosecutors allege that Owens attacked Carla inside her accommodation before leaving the scene. They also claim he later disposed of her phone and laptop in an attempt to conceal evidence.

These allegations form part of the prosecution’s case and have not yet been established by a jury verdict.

What Carla’s Mother Told the Court

After returning home, Owens reportedly behaved normally, according to testimony from Janina. The couple later went for a walk near the beach and visited a supermarket.

Meanwhile, Carla was not responding to messages or phone calls. Growing concerned, her mother sought help to check on her daughter.

Carla was discovered dead on February 5, the day she would have turned 20. Her mother told the court that officers initially informed the family that Carla had been found hanged.

Janina described feeling shaken by the news. She also testified that Owens cried and comforted her, without initially telling her that he had visited Carla’s accommodation shortly before her death.

According to her testimony, he acknowledged the visit only after she obtained further information about the circumstances surrounding Carla’s death.

Prosecutors Describe an Alleged Obsession

The prosecution has presented evidence that it says points to an escalating fixation on Carla. Jurors heard allegations that Owens secretly collected photographs of her, manipulated ordinary selfies into sexual images and created a life-sized effigy dressed in her nightclothes.

The court also heard forensic evidence concerning injuries to Carla and the discovery of Owens’ DNA at the scene.

Prosecutors suggested that jealousy may have played a role because Carla was reportedly developing a romantic relationship with someone else. They argued that the alleged behavior leading up to her death was relevant to understanding the motive.

Owens denies murder, intentional strangulation and grievous bodily harm with intent.

A Trial Still Underway

The case has drawn attention because of the prosecution’s account of the events leading up to Carla’s death, the surveillance footage and the testimony of her mother.

However, the allegations remain matters for the court to determine. Owens has denied the charges, and the trial is continuing.

For Carla’s family, the proceedings have meant revisiting the final days of a young woman whose future included university studies, relationships and plans to travel.

As jurors continue to hear evidence, the central question remains whether the prosecution can prove its allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

Source:

The Sun

Original article