Cristie Schoen

Cristie M. Schoen Codd (September 3, 1976 — March 12, 2015) was an American chef. She came to prominence as a contestant in the eighth season of the Food Network series Food Network Star.

Early life

Schoen was born in Madrid, Spain. She grew up cooking primarily Cajun cuisine with her father. Her father was in the U.S. Air Force and she moved around frequently, including stays in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Food Network Star

In 2012, it was announced that Schoen had been selected as a contestant on the eighth season of the Food Network series Food Network Star. On May 13, 2012, she became the first contestant of the season to be eliminated, which she attested to her strong passion for cooking coming across as "angry". Following her appearance on the show, she stated to have remained close friends with fellow contestants Judson Allen, Josh Lyons and Kara Sigle.

Personal life

Schoen's husband, J.T. Codd, was a key grip; they married in 2014. At the time of her death, Schoen was five months pregnant< with their first child, a girl, who was to be named Skylar.

Death

Schoen and Codd were reported missing on March 15, 2015 when their family was unable to reach them. An investigation by police led to the arrest of local contractor Robert Jason Owens, who was charged with their murders. Owens is notable for being a person of interest in the disappearance of Zebb Quinn in 2000. To date, no motive has been established for the murders; and while Owens reportedly admitted that he "struck and killed Codd" in the manner of vehicular homicide, the exact nature of Schoen's murder has not been released. Authorities undertook a search of Owens's property; the couple's remains were found in his woodstove. It was later concluded that the couple had been killed on March 12.

Owens' double-wide trailer burned down on March 24, 2015. On August 4, it was reported that the state of North Carolina would be seeking the death penalty for Owens if he is convicted.

Owens later admitted killing Schoen and Codd in March 2015. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of dismembering human remains. In a plea deal, his attorneys reached with North Carolina's Assistant Capital Attorney Victoria Jayne and Buncombe County's District Attorney Todd Williams, Owens was sentenced on April 27, 2017 to spend a minimum of 59.5 years to a maximum of 74.5 years in prison.