WASHINGTON CITY, UT – A chilling case involving a 47-year-old mother, Andrea Matram, has taken a dark turn as her teenage daughter and a friend stand accused of her murder at a vacation rental home. Andrea’s body was discovered on March 23 after Washington City police were alerted by cleaning staff who found the garage door open and personal belongings left behind. Upon investigation, officers found Andrea deceased with multiple stab wounds.
The suspects, identified as 16-year-old Maha Sescu, also known as Bella, and her friend Abigail Flanigan, or Jay, had been staying with Andrea at the vacation property. Authorities discovered two cell phones and a purse submerged in a toilet, believed to be an attempt to destroy evidence. Both teens have troubling histories, with Bella having been in a treatment facility for three years and Jay recently removed from a similar facility by her parents.
Frank Matram, Andrea’s husband and Bella’s stepfather, revealed that Bella had expressed hatred towards her mother in a diary, even writing about a desire to kill her. Bella’s history of self-harm and violent behavior added another layer to the investigation. Police found several knives at the scene, including one with traces of blood.
The teens were eventually located, although police have not disclosed the details of their capture. They have been charged with stealing a Hyundai rental car that Andrea had rented in Las Vegas. Surveillance cameras captured the vehicle traveling through various locations, providing a timeline of their movements.
In a tragic twist, Andrea had posted on Facebook just a day before her murder, sharing a photo with the caption “This is almost 48,” highlighting the closeness of her birthday. The case has now reached the courts, with both teens appearing via video. Despite being charged as adults, the judge ordered their faces not be shown.
The defense raised concerns about the distance between Abigail’s detention facility and her lawyer, advocating for a closer location to facilitate better communication. The court proceedings are ongoing, with both Bella and Abigail facing serious charges, including first-degree felony murder.
The case has garnered significant attention due to its disturbing details and the complex backgrounds of the accused teens. As the investigation continues, it remains a deeply unsettling reminder of the potential for violence within families.