Two teenagers have been accused of the shocking murder of a Maryland business owner, whose charred remains were discovered in his own vehicle last month. The suspects, Jonah Poole and Kylie Dake, both 18 and seniors in high school, were taken into custody on Saturday in Harwood.
The victim, 67-year-old Edward Koza, was reportedly beaten severely on the head, with his hands and mouth bound. Investigators revealed that the assault likely occurred inside his store, Tropic Bay Water Gardens. It’s believed the attack was recorded before he was forced behind a pickup truck.
Authorities also found a hat from Bass Pro Shops discarded at the scene. Surveillance footage from a nearby establishment showed someone resembling Poole wearing the same type of cap and driving Koza’s truck at a gas station shortly before the incident.
The footage captured the couple at the station that evening, appearing relaxed while it seems that gasoline was used to ignite the vehicle in which Koza was trapped.
There is speculation that Koza may have still been alive in the back of the truck when it was set on fire.
After the incident, the two returned to Tropic Bay, set the truck ablaze, and fled in a red Lincoln while the fire raged on.
A witness who called emergency services reported seeing something thrown into the truck before it ignited.
Cell phone records reportedly place Poole at the crime scene, indicating he left shortly after the murder. The motive for the crime remains unclear, but it was noted that Poole also faces charges related to a robbery at a nearby restaurant that occurred just a week prior to Koza’s murder.
“It’s shocking. I can’t believe an 18-year-old can do something like that,” a neighbor of Koza expressed. “Are you 18, just graduated from high school? That doesn’t make sense.”
Both Poole and Dake have been charged with first-degree murder, arson, and assault.
“It’s sad for them that they ruined their lives,” commented a resident of Harwood.
