WASHINGTON — Two University of Mary Washington students appeared in court Tuesday and shared graphic testimony about the day their roommate was killed.
Grace Mann, 20, was found dead in her home April 17. Her roommates say they discovered her body on the floor covered by a blanket. She had a plastic bag over her head, and there also were bags in her mouth. Her hands were bound with a sweater and a belt.
NBC Washington reports that earlier that day, one of the roommates said he received a text from accused killer Steven Vander Briel, who also lived there, saying he had “made a mess” in the house.
The two roommates spoke with Vander Briel face-to-face shortly before they discovered Mann’s body, NBC Washington says. They testified that Vander Briel appeared anxious and drenched in sweat, and he asked them “What would you do if Grace wasn’t here anymore?” Vander Briel then admitted he had been in a fight with Mann, although the roommates say they don’t know what may have prompted the altercation.
Vander Briel is charged with first-degree murder. After the preliminary hearing Tuesday, a judge ruled there is enough evidence to move the case forward.
