Police: 16-Year-Old Strangled Girlfriend With Belt
Omaha, NE - A 16-year-old strangled his girlfriend with a belt from behind after they had sex, then told a friend he did it because he didn't approve of some of the choices she was making.
Justin Lenz is charged with first degree murder in the May murder of 16-year-old Melanie Koontz.
An Omaha police detective testified Tuesday that Lenz complained to a friend, saying Koontz was using drugs other than marijuana. The two reportedly met occasionally at Cole Creek to have sex and smoke marijuana even though they'd stopped dating.
According to the detective, the two had sex the day of the murder and Lenz was hugging her from behind when she told him she loved him. He became upset, tightened his hold and she fell to the ground, convulsing. That's when he reportedly killed her with the belt.
Koontz's family didn't speak to reporters as they left the preliminary hearing.
A judge ordered Lenz to stand trial in district court.
Reported by Kathy Sarantos Niver, kathy@action3 news.com
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