Man Accused Of Strangling Girlfriend To Death In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, CO — A man has been charged in connection with his girlfriend's death in Lakewood, the 1st Judicial District Attorney's Office announced Monday.

Karl Bemis, 51, is accused of strangling 45-year-old Hillary Engle with electrical cords. Bemis has been charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a deceased human body, identity theft, aggravated motor vehicle theft and a violent crime count, the DA's office said.

On Dec. 29, Lakewood police officers were called to the 2100 block of South Coors Circle after they received a report of a missing woman.

Engle's body was found inside the home, where she and Bemis lived together, police said. Her head was wrapped in duct tape, according to officials.

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Bemis was found in southern Colorado in a hotel in Trinidad, and taken into custody by Trinidad police, officials said. He was then taken to Jefferson County jail, where he is being held without bond.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 9.