Whitney Heichel was murdered in Oregon after being abducted on the way to work.
Jonathan Holt is charged with the murder of his neighbor Whitney Heichel. (Photo: Clackamas County Sheriff's Office)
OREGON CITY, Ore. (CBS) - The man accused of murdering an Oregon barista faced a judge for the first time on murder charges.
Jonathan Holt, 24, is facing seven counts of aggravated murder for the death of his neighbor 21-year-old Whitney Heichel. The 21-year-old disappeared Tuesday on her way to work at a Gresham Starbucks. Her body was found on Larch Mountain in Multmomah County on Friday. But police believe she was killed in Clackamas County.
Court documents indicate Whitney Heichel was sexually assaulted and robbed, before she was murdered. The DA's information says the murder was committed during or after an act of first degree sodomy.
Members of the Heichel family were not in the courtroom during the arraignment. But, family friend Michael Kious had this to say about what he saw in Jonathan Holt's demeanor during the arraignment, "At this point, he looks sorry. I wish the best and hope that justice is served if he is found guilty."
As stated, court documents also indicate that Whitney was robbed before she was shot to death. Her credit card was used during the time she was reported missing.
Holt is being held without bail under suicide watch. More information should be released about the specifics of the case when more documents are released.
Holt's next court appearance is October 26th. If convicted at trial, he could face the death penalty.