Nathan Owens, 34, Charged With Murder of Student Carla-Maria Georgescu in Preston

Nathan Owens, 34, of Hopps Street, Hartlepool, has been charged with the murder of Carla-Maria Georgescu, a 19-year-old second-year clinical psychology student at the University of Central Lancashire, whose body was found inside Ribble Hall student accommodation on Victoria Street, Preston, on 5 February 2026.

Emergency services received the call at 1.15pm that Thursday, responding to a report of a sudden death at the halls. Lancashire Constabulary launched a murder investigation immediately, arresting Owens the following day. He was formally charged on Monday, 9 February, facing three counts: murder, intentional strangulation, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm under Section 18.

Owens appeared first at Preston Magistrates' Court before a preliminary hearing at Preston Crown Court. He was remanded in custody and is next due at Preston Crown Court on 13 April, where he will be asked to enter pleas to all charges. A trial date has been provisionally set for October.

An inquest into Carla-Maria's death was also scheduled to be opened and adjourned at Preston Coroners' Court, though no specific calendar date was confirmed in court listings.

Her personal tutor and course leader described her as "warm, bright, engaging and enthusiastic." The Lancashire Students' Union organised a candlelit vigil at the university, inviting attendees to bring photos, flowers and artwork. Around 300 people turned out, including friends, university staff and family.

UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin addressed the crowd: "Thank you each and every one of you for being here this evening. Thank you for standing together and honouring Carla-Maria's memory with such compassion." Baldwin also confirmed the university was offering support to anyone affected by what a spokesperson separately described as a "devastating incident."

The Students' Union issued its own statement: "All of us at the Students' Union are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our students, Carla-Maria Georgescu. We are holding her loved ones, friends, and all who knew her in our thoughts at this very difficult time."

With a plea hearing set for April 13 and an October trial on the horizon, the case against Owens is only now moving into its next phase.