Man charged in Utah college student’s death appears in court

A tech worker charged in the death of a Utah college student has made his first court appearance.

Ayoola A. Ajayi appeared by video from jail alongside a court-appointed attorney during a quick hearing Monday to set a future court date. He did not speak or enter a plea to murder, kidnapping and other charges.

Prosecutors say Ajayi killed 23-year-old Mackenzie Lueck, who died from blunt force trauma to the head. Police say her body was found with her arms bound behind her in a canyon 85 miles from Ajayi’s home.

They have not discussed the motive or how they knew each other.

Lueck’s friends sat in the front row holding hands. Ashley Fine said afterward they are relieved that a suspect is behind bars.