A Lancaster County District Court jury on Monday found Joesef Barraza guilty of first-degree murder and three counts of sexual assault in connection with the 2021 death of 27-year-old Carly Schaaf.
KLIN Media partner 10/11 Now (KOLN) reports: Prosecutors said Schaaf visited Barraza’s Lincoln home on May 17, 2021, where he drugged and sexually assaulted her. An autopsy later determined Schaaf died from acute intoxication and suffocation.
During the trial, the prosecution argued that the sexual assault led to Schaaf’s death and presented photos from Barraza’s phone showing the area near Pawnee Lake where her body was later discovered.
Barraza remains in custody on an unrelated weapons charge.
Two others also face charges related to the case. Rachel Pageler, Barraza’s former girlfriend, is charged as an accomplice to murder, though her court appearances have been repeatedly delayed. Barraza’s younger brother, Danyl, is charged as an accessory, with prosecutors alleging he helped conceal Schaaf’s body.
Sentencing for Barraza has not yet been scheduled.