A tragic case in Utah has shocked the nation after two teenage girls were charged with murder in connection with the death of Andreea Mottram, a 47-year-old woman found stabbed to death in a vacation rental. The suspects, Mihaela “Bella” Gabriela Sorescu (16) and Abigael “Jay” Paige Flanagan (17), are both being charged as adults under Utah law.
The incident has raised serious questions about mental health, youth care facilities, and the relationship between parents and troubled teens.
What Happened?
On March 23, 2025, cleaning staff at a vacation rental in Washington City, Utah, near the Nevada border, called police after discovering a woman’s lifeless body inside the unit. The woman was later identified as Andreea Mottram, who had been stabbed 14 times.
Police found no signs of forced entry and suspected that Mottram had died about 24 hours earlier.
Who Were the Victim and Suspects?
Authorities discovered that Mottram had been staying in the rental unit with her daughter Sorescu, who was enrolled in a residential treatment facility, and her daughter’s friend Flanagan, who had recently been removed from a similar care center.
The trio had reportedly traveled together to spend time together. However, things took a dark turn that ended in a fatal attack on Mottram.
Evidence Linking the Teens to the Murder
Police found:
- Two mobile phones and Mottram’s purse dumped in a toilet
- Multiple knives, one of which had been washed but still showed traces of blood
- A pair of pants with bloodstains, suspected to belong to Sorescu
- A bloody knife imprint found inside the pants
According to court documents, these items appeared to be an attempt to destroy or hide evidence.
Chilling Diary Entry Revealed
Investigators also spoke to someone named Frank, who had access to a diary written by Sorescu in November. The diary reportedly included entries stating that she “hated her mother” and “wanted to kill her.” Frank also mentioned that Sorescu had a history of self-harm and violent behavior.
Escape and Arrest
After the incident, the car rented by Mottram was spotted by license plate cameras in Paramount, California, about 400 miles from the scene. Sorescu and Flanagan were found in Los Angeles on March 27 and taken into custody.
They are currently being held at the Dixie Area Detention Center and face charges of:
- First-degree murder
- Obstruction of justice
- Motor vehicle theft
Who Was Andreea Mottram?
Andreea Mottram was more than just a victim. She was a co-founder of the American Romanian Coalition for Human and Equal Rights (ARCHER). Friends and colleagues described her as a mentor, advocate, and a source of strength for many.
“Her wisdom and generosity touched many lives,” ARCHER said in a heartfelt statement. “She will always be remembered for her commitment to justice and human rights.”