Tara Willenborg Sexually Assaulted, Murdered by Richard Carley Hooten : Indiana Teen Found Slain by Fiance, Convicted Sex Offender Arrested [VIDEO]

Reports confirm that Tara Willenborg, a 17-year-old teen from Clarksville, Indiana, was found murdered in her bedroom apartment by her devastated fiancé on Saturday morning, March 2. Further evidence suggests that young Willenborg was violently sexually assaulted before being murdered. On Sunday (March 3), police arrested 49-year-old convicted sex offender and neighbor Richard Carley Hooten for an arrest warrant unrelated to the case. He now faces charges of murder, rape, criminal deviant conduct, sexual battery, criminal confinement, and strangulation for the vicious death of Willenborg.

Clark County Prosecutor Steve Stewart prepared charges for the case that were presented in court on Monday. Stewart told the News and Tribune, "Obviously, this girl suffered a horrible death. In addition to a murder charge, we certainly anticipate charges of rape and/or criminal deviant conduct."

He later explained in court, "You can't see pictures of a 17-year-old that shows she's been the victim of a rape and a murder and not have an affection. There is no question our victim suffered a horrible death that she was 17-years-old and there was no real prior relationship between them at the time this happened... It is a heinous crime and it's my job to see that justice is served in the case."

Little details were released about the murder, but reports and charges suggest that the teen was violently strangled.

Hooten, who was arrested one mile away from the Cambridge Square apartment complex, was the boyfriend of Willenborg's neighbor. Although there were no apparent connections between the teen and convicted sex offender, Willenborg's fiancé claims that his girlfriend actually sold Hooten alcohol on Friday evening prior to the killing. There were also no signs of forced entry, which suggests that Willenborg probably let Hooten into the home.

Clarksville Police Department spokesman Darrell Rayborn told WAVE, "They just had an acquaintance. I think they had just met recently."

Willenborg's father told WDRB that the young woman was a former Jeffersonville High School cross-country athlete and artists who loved baking and had a passion for animals. She had just earned her GED two weeks ago and she would have celebrated her 18th birthday on March 10.

The Willenborgs are prominent members of St. Luke's United Church of Christ. Pastor Jennifer Mills-Knutsen recently spoke in behalf of the Tara's family:

"We would always talk and she would do anything in her power to avoid violence. So, that makes it just especially hard to have her meet that kind of end... She made her promises before God that day and we all gathered around and her and put our hands around her head and shoulders and promised her God would be with her wherever she went. So, we are holding on to that right now and remembering that."

Before Hooten's arrest on Saturday, he was wanted for failing to register as a sex offender and for meth drug charges. Court filings confirm that he admitted to killing Willenborg. Hooten returns to court later this week, and prosecutors will present the rest of their evidence against the suspect.

The visitation for Willenborg will be at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarksville from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Luke's United Church of Christ. The family is requesting that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to the Jeffersonville Animal Protection Association.

Thoughts and condolences go out to Willenborg's fiancé, family, and friends during this tragic time. Online condolences can be made at chapmanfuneralhome.net.