Charges of murder were brought against two teenage girls, one of whom was the victim’s adopted daughter, for the death of a woman who was discovered stabbed to death inside a vacation rental in Utah almost two weeks ago, as reported by investigators.
The Washington City Police Department identified the suspects as Abigael Paige Flanagan, 17, and Mihaela Gabriela Sorescu, 16, in connection with the murder of Andreea Mottram, aged 47. Flanagan is also known by the alias “Jay,” while Sorescu goes by “Bella.”
Authorities mentioned that Mottram’s body was found by cleaning staff on March 23 in a rental property in Washington City, revealing that she had sustained more than a dozen stab wounds to her upper torso.
Washington County Attorney Eric Clarke told FOX 13 that Sorescu and Flanagan are being charged as adults with murder, as well as car theft, after allegedly taking Mottram’s rented car back to California following the crime.Â
The day before her body was discovered, Mottram posted a selfie on her Facebook page, captioned “This is… almost 48.”Â
She also posted, “The trouble is, you think you have time,” four days prior to her selfie.Â
“The apprehension of both suspects is a crucial step in the investigation,” the Washington City Police Department said. “However, the investigation team is currently following up on many aspects of the case. Again, our sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of the victim of this senseless act of violence.”
Sorescu and Flanagan were being held in the Dixie Area Detention Center in Washington County.
Mottram labeled herself as a “Hospice social worker, Romanian living a Californian life, and mother in three special ways,” according to her about-me section on her Facebook page.Â
She was also a co-founder of disability and refugee aid associations in the U.S. and Romania, including the Chicago-based American Romanian Coalition for Human and Equal Rights, according to the organization’s Facebook page.
“It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the loss of our beloved Andreea Mottram, a fierce advocate, a compassionate leader, and a dear friend to so many within our community,” the group wrote. “Like many of you, we are still in shock at this heartbreaking news. Andreea’s dedication to justice, equity, and human rights was not just a mission—it was the very essence of who she was.”
Stepheny Price is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. She covers topics including missing persons, homicides, national crime cases, illegal immigration, and more. Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected]
