‘Controlling’ Martial Arts Boyfriend Arrested for Beating Death of Nebraska Woman

A woman found dead in rural Nebraska east of Lincoln last week died was beaten to death.

Cecilia Perez, 34, was from Omaha, 60 miles from where her body was found last Tuesday, KLKN reported.

On Thursday, Omaha police arrested Perez’s boyfriend, 33-year-old Raymond Evans, said Lancaster County Chief Deputy Ben Houchin, who said that Evans also lives in Omaha but does martial arts training in Lincoln.

Prosecutors said at Evans’ arraignment on first degree murder and use of a weapon charges that Perez died from blunt force trauma, according to KETV. The judge denied bond for him.

Perez’s family said she was a victim of domestic violence, KLKN said.

“We fought for her so many times to get away,” her sister, Emma Wineinger, said.

Monica Durand, a friend who met Perez in nursing school more than a decade ago, said Evans was controlling.

“He wouldn’t let me see her,” Durand said. “I’m just her friend. I’m a girl. Why was he so controlling like that?”

Perez was reported missing on November 21 but hadn’t been seen or spoken to for three days prior, KOLN reported. The body was found by men clearing a field with heavy equipment.

For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.

[Featured image: Cecilia Perez/Facebook and Raymond Evans/Douglas County Corrections]