Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Sandra Yi ReportingPolice in Clearfield are investigating the murder and sexual assault of a group home counselor. The suspect is a 17-year old boy.
The suspect asked the woman for a ride home yesterday. She agreed and it cost her her life.
Brian Garlock, Youth Health Associates: "This was completely a shock to everybody."
It was a brutal crime no one saw coming.
Brian Garlock: "That kid was on his step out."
The 17-year old suspect lived in a transitional home designed to help troubled kids re-enter society. But last night, something went wrong. The teen made a confession to a stranger.
Doug Mahlstede, Heard confession: "Said that he had raped a lady up the street, then killed her with a knife."
Police say the suspect stole the victim's car then crashed it into Mahlstede's home in an apparent suicide attempt.
Doug Mahlstede: "He just kept repeating, 'I might as well die anyway cause of what I've done.'"
Co-workers identified the victim as 22-year old Raechale Elton. She was a counselor for Youth Health Associates, an agency that helps troubled teens. She had just finished her shift at a group home and gave the suspect a ride to his transition home a few blocks away.
YHA says that's not typical protocol. She lost her life in an act of kindness.
Brian Gunlock: "Our heart goes out to her family more than anything."
The victim had only been worked for YHA for a few months. Police still don't know the teen's motive, but the he told them he thought the victim was cute and that he was infatuated with her.
He faces murder and sex assault charges.
