In a chilling case that has captured national attention, a teenage girl and her friend have been accused of murdering the girl’s mother in a vacation rental in Utah. Sixteen-year-old Maha Sescu, known as Bella, and her friend Abigail Flanigan, have been charged with first-degree murder following the brutal stabbing of 47-year-old Andrea Matram. The investigation began on March 23 when cleaning staff at the rental property discovered Matram’s lifeless body, which had sustained 14 stab wounds.
According to police reports, there were no signs of forced entry into the vacation home, indicating that the murder may have been premeditated. Evidence gathered at the scene included two cell phones and a purse belonging to Matram, which were found submerged in a toilet, seemingly in an attempt to destroy evidence. Additionally, a pair of jeans with bloodstains and a knife, also containing traces of blood, were located in the home.
The police affidavit revealed that Bella had been living in a residential treatment facility for behavioral issues for the past three years. Her stepfather, Frank Matram, informed authorities that he had previously discovered a diary belonging to Bella in which she expressed her hatred for her mother and even wrote about wanting to kill her. This alarming revelation, coupled with Bella’s history of self-harm and violent behavior, raises serious questions about her mental health and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The two teenagers were apprehended after being identified as suspects in the case and were found with a stolen vehicle rented by Matram in Las Vegas. They were last tracked by license plate readers traveling between Utah and California shortly after the incident. Both girls appeared in court, where their faces were not shown due to their status as minors. They are currently being held in separate juvenile detention centers.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the prosecution is expected to emphasize Bella’s prior writings as evidence of premeditation, while the defense may argue her mental health struggles as mitigating factors. Legal experts highlight the complexity of the case, especially given the teenagers’ backgrounds in treatment facilities and the disturbing nature of the crime.
The community is in shock as they learn about this tragic event. Matram, who had recently celebrated her birthday on social media, was remembered as a dedicated hospice social worker and a loving mother. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with her funeral expenses, reflecting the outpouring of grief and support from friends and family.
The next court hearing is scheduled for April 23, where further developments in this heartbreaking case will be closely monitored.