Two Maryland teenage lovers, 18-year-old Jonah Poole and Kylee Dakes, were arrested and charged with the beating and burning death of 67-year-old Edward Koza, authorities say. The couple was charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy, and arson.
On May 24, officers responded to the 600 Block of West Central Avenue after they received a 911 distress call from a witness about a car burning up in front of Koza’s gardening supply store, Tropic Bay Water Gardens. Upon arrival, and after first responders doused the fire, they found the victim’s body in his pickup truck. An autopsy report revealed Koza's mouth and hands had been taped and tied, with evidence that showed he had been beaten on the head.
During the investigation, authorities found a discarded Bass Pro Shops baseball cap, a bag full of blood, and a pair of shoes that were next to a rock that was dislodged from a display. Later, investigators retrieved surveillance footage from a nearby gas station that showed Poole wearing the Bass Pro Shops baseball cap while driving Koza’s truck.
According to WUSA 9, the video also showed Dakes stepping out of the car to give the gas station attendant two $5 bills to buy the gasoline used to torch the pickup, while the victim remained in the back of the truck. At the time, investigators believed Koza was still alive before the defendants returned to Koza’s store.
The couple was seen fleeing the scene in a red Lincoln, which was captured on two license plate readers. In addition, Poole’s phone record placed him at the scene before and after the fatal incident. A week later, both defendants were arrested.
Though Koza was Poole’s former boss, the motive for the killing remains unclear.
The teenage couple missed out on their graduation at Southern High School in Anne Arundel County as they remained behind bars and were held without bail at the county jail.
“It’s shocking. I can’t believe any 18-year-old could do such a thing. Eighteen years old, just graduated high school? It just makes no sense,” said one of Koza’s neighbors, reported the New York Post.
The case is still ongoing, and anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Anne Arundel County Police detectives at 410-222-4731.
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