:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45940538/FNS8_Cristie-Schoen_s3x4.0.0.jpg)
A man has been arrested and charged with murdering a former Food Network Star contestant and her husband. According to Fox Carolina, 38-year-old Cristie Schoen Codd — who was five months pregnant — and her husband 45-year-old Joseph Codd were reported missing by family members on Sunday.
Police found the couple's cars at their North Carolina home, along with their two dogs, but could not find the Codds anywhere, even after doing a "extensive search." Police then looked into Robert "Jason" Owens, one of the Codds' neighbors — and the couple's handyman — who lived half a mile away. He was taken into custody Monday and his truck was towed.
Police charged him with two counts of first-degree murder, "one count of murder of an unborn child," and breaking and entering. Owens allegedly broke into the Codds' home and stole a laptop, jewelry, and a handgun. There is no information about Owens' motivation to commit the crime and police have not released "the location or condition about the couples' remains." However, a medical examiner is working to identify a set of remains "found in connection with the case." Friends and fellow stars expressed their sadness on Twitter.
Speechless. Cristie wasn’t just part of the Terminator crew, she brought us together at meals like a family. Thoughts are w/ her loved ones.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 18, 2015
Heartbroken over the tragic passing of Cristie Schoen. She was on #TeamAlton w/ me and was so kind. Rest peacefully. pic.twitter.com/xGk5ETKC6L
— Justin M. Warner (@EatFellowHumans) March 17, 2015
Cristie starred in season eight of the competition show on Food Network, which was eventually won by chef and cookbook author Justin Warner. A spokesperson for the channel tells US Weekly that their "thoughts go out to Cristie's family and friends during this difficult time." She was set to provide catering on a new film in Missouri this month while Joseph was slated to begin work on a film in Los Angeles as a key grip. Watch a clip of Cristie on Food Network Star below:
