LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) – It was four years ago that the body of Carly Schaaf was discovered at Pawnee Lake, three weeks after she was reported missing. Now, the state is seeking justice against those accused of the crime as the trial against the man charged with murdering her kicked off with opening statements on Monday.
Joesef Barraza is currently facing one first-degree murder charge and three counts of sexual assault, all of which he has previously pleaded not guilty.
According to prosecutors, Schaaf is believed to have gone to Barraza’s home on May 17, 2021. That’s where he allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted her, something they said video found on Barraza’s cell phone suggests he did repeatedly with other women.
Prosecutor’s allege that assault lead to Schaaf’s death, which an autopsy found to be caused by acute intoxication and suffocation. The state said Barraza then dumped Schaaf’s body at Pawnee Lake, citing photos from his phone of the location where she was found…