Husband charged with murder in death of former KU soccer player Regan Gibbs, says God told him to do it – Yahoo Sports

Chad Marek is charged in the death of Regan Gibbs. (Associated Press)

Former Kansas University soccer player Regan Noelle Gibbs was found dead in her Lawrence home on Monday. She was 25 years old.

Her husband Chad J. Marek, 26, is facing a first-degree murder charge in her death.

Gibbs was a goaltender for Kansas from 2015-18 and played on two NCAA tournament teams. She was a native of Naches, Washington, and attended West Valley High School before enrolling at Kansas. Head coach Mark Francis released as statement on Tuesday mourning Gibbs.

Our soccer program is heartbroken to hear about the tragic loss of Regan," the statement reads. "She was a tremendous teammate and young woman, and touched so many during her time at Kansas. Regan will always be remembered for the impact she had both on and off the field. We share our condolences to her family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.

The Lawrence Police Department announced via news release that officers arrived at the couple's apartment after receiving a call at 7:26 p.m. on Monday to find Gibbs dead. Marek was at the scene when first responders arrived.

Lawrence Police Chief Rich Lockhart told the Lawrence World Journal that Marek made the 911 call himself and told the dispatcher that God told him to do it. Marek was arrested at the scene and detained on $1 million bail with the prosecutor citing the "excessive brutality" of the crime in the bail request, the Lawrence Times reports. Officials didn't announce the method of the alleged murder.

Marek appeared before the Douglas County District Court and told the judge that Jesus Christ is my attorney," the World Journal reports. According to the World Journal, Marek was frequently seen in downtown Lawrence "evangelizing with a bullhorn." His Facebook page contains messaging that includes linking Halloween, the Easter bunny and COVID-19 vaccines to Satan.

Deputy District Attorney Joshua Seiden said in court on Tuesday that Marek had at least 10 prior convictions including battery, interference with medical emergency crews and interference with law enforcement, the World Journal reports.

Marek is scheduled for his next court appearance on May 24.

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Husband charged with murder in death of former KU soccer player Regan Gibbs, says God told him to do it - Yahoo Sports