Bob Kopta, who did not remarry, said he doesnt plan to visit, and that hes now trying to forget the past, though hes glad to know shes being taken care of. Samantha DiFrancesco, a close friend of Englehardt's, said she was a "genuinely good person.". All Rights Reserved. Both men were held without bond. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Taylor and Collier appeared in court Monday and are being held with no bond. A cemetery posted a personal ad for a goose whose mate died. "She just loved the ocean, the beach, the warm sunshine," Smith told the AP. Smith, on the other hand, wants to go to the island to see her older sister. They are charged with sexual battery as well. WPLG-TV reports the woman's body was found partially clothed in her room at the hotel, according to Miami Beach Police. In 1972, they married. After a social worker contacted police in Pennsylvania, it took almost a year for DNA samples to confirm that the woman was indeed Patricia Kopta. "She was the person you brought in that lit up the whole room. Patricia Kopta left behind a husband and siblings and meandered through northern Puerto Rico for a while before she was taken as a person "in need" to the adult care home in 1999, according to details announced at a news conference this week in Ross Township, where she once lived. Evoire Collier (left) and Dorian Taylor (right) were both charged with burglary with assault or battery; sexual battery; credit card fraud; and theft. "She could have come home at any time. She had her whole life still to do things and she had dreams and goals and all these things shell never be able to do now because of them., Investigators say the two men met their victim at a restaurant, gave her a green pill and went to her hotel where they had sex with her multiple times and once she was unconscious or out the suspects remained inside the unit and didnt call for assistance or help and began to take all her items.. A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead at the Albion Hotel on James Avenue in Miami Beach on Thursday, March 18. Both Collier and Taylor have been appointed public defenders for the time being. Her laugh was the most contagious laugh," said DiFrancesco. A detective testified hotel video showed the woman was staggering as they walked into the elevator at the hotel, the Herald reports. ROSS TWP., Pennsylvania -- A Pennsylvania woman missing for more than three decades has been found alive in Puerto Rico. Miami Beach police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found barricaded in a hotel room she reportedly shared with her now-missing boyfriend. RELATED: Police chief says Miami spring break partying 'couldn't go on any longer'. The Marion County Sheriff's Office did not name the woman . The disappearance stumped authorities and family alike. They are currently being held without bond. RELATED: Police chief says Miami spring break partying 'couldn't go on any longer'. Please enter valid email address to continue. Patricia Kopta left behind a husband and siblings and meandered through northern Puerto Rico for a while before she was taken as a person in need to the adult care home in 1999, according to details announced at a news conference this week in Ross Township, where she once lived. Investigators believe the suspects gave the victim a green pill to drug her. She died in South Beach hotel - Miami Herald, Men visiting Miami Beach drugged and raped woman who later died, police say - WPLG, Miami-Dade County Corrections and Rehabilitation Inmate Search. Christine Englehardt of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, died Thursday morning after being found at the Albion Hotel on Miami Beach during spring break, police said By NBC10 Staff Published March . "As she asked and spoke more, she leaked enough details about her identity that they were able to connect enough dots to contact us," Kohlhepp said. Waiting for your permission to load facebook comments. Updated: Mar 3, 2023 / 02:26 PM EST. Copyright 2023 Local10.com is published by WPLG INC., a Berkshire Hathaway company. According to police, the body of Christine Englehardt, of Richboro, Bucks County, was found on March 18. All rights reserved. Mourners laid flowers in a vigil Friday for the Pennsylvania woman who was found dead inside a Miami Beach hotel room. A DNA test has confirmed her identity, Kohlhepp said. One investigator said that a court surveillance video shows the suspects holding the victim up and that the video made it clear she was unable to consent. One investigator said that a court surveillance video shows the suspects holding the victim up and that the video made it clear she was unable to consent. Ad Choices. 1 min read. Miami Beach chaos isnt all college spring breakers. Its a sad thing, but its a relief off my mind, her husband said. Christian De La Rosa joined Local 10 News in April 2017 after spending time as a reporter and anchor in Atlanta, San Diego, Orlando and Panama City Beach. By Lauren Silver, Cox Media Group National Content Desk. He added that one of the defendants actually helped hold her up as they went up to her hotel room. If investigators find the pill that led to her death, the suspects could face manslaughter or murder charges. Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, were both charged with burglary with assault or battery; sexual battery; credit card fraud; and theft. + Caption. When your wife goes missing, youre a suspect.. But before she began preaching, Kopta was a straight-A student who became a model and dance instructor. Miami Beach police say the woman was found partly nude and lifeless inside her room at the Albion on James Avenue on Thursday. March 3, 2023 / 2:29 PM "This is the last person I would ever think this would happen to. The men are accused of drugging, sexually assaulting and stealing from 24-year-old Christine Englehardt, who was later found dead in her Miami Beach hotel room. Bucks County woman found dead in Miami hotel room remembered . Collier claimed Taylor gave the woman a green pill as they walked on Ocean Drive, but it was unclear from the arrest report if she took the pill willingly, or if it was slipped. Collier told police he believed it was the pain reliever Percocet. Do not to buy Raspberry Rally cookies from eBay, Girl Scouts say, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. She said something about seeing an angel there, Smith recalled. "It is just very sad to see someone die so young, she didn't deserve it, it was horrible," Khamermesh. Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, both of North Carolina, were arrested and charged with sexual battery and burglary. Miami Beach police say the woman was found partly nude and lifeless inside her room at the Albion on James Avenue on Thursday. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office did not release a cause of death. After a social worker contacted police in Pennsylvania, it took almost a year for DNA samples to confirm that the woman was indeed Patricia Kopta. Detectives said that one of the defendants admitted to having sex with Englehardt. Chris. When she first was taken in at the adult home, she had hinted that she had arrived in Puerto Rico via a cruise ship from Europe, Kohlhepp said. She then got a job as an elevator operator at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh. She was a . A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead in a Miami Beach hotel room last week; police said she'd been drugged and raped. So he published ads in Puerto Rican newspapers, but never got a response. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office is still working to determine Christine Englehardt's cause of death after the young woman's semi-nude body was discovered Thursday at the Albion Hotel. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Christine Englehardt of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, died Thursday morning after being found at the AlbionHotel on Miami Beach, police in Florida said. "Whether she knows me or not, I still want to see her and give her a hug and tell her I love her," Smith said. I went through a lot, said Bob Kopta, a retired truck driver. When she first was taken in at the adult home, she had hinted that she had arrived in Puerto Rico via a cruise ship from Europe, Kohlhepp said. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters. The victim was identified by authorities as 24-year-old. filled in details of Kopta's life at the news conference and in telephone interviews Friday with The Associated Press. I didn't believe it. "Im severely bewildered by these charges and accusations against him, but I can attest for his character and I can attest for responsibility of him standing trial for whatever charges," his sister said. / CBS/AP. Every time theyd find a body somewhere (I wondered), Is it Patricia? By Antonio Planas and The Associated Press. Sign up to receive breaking True Crime Daily news, exclusive stories and behind-the-scenes info. "I didn't believe it. The suspects were reportedly recorded on video using the credit cards around Miami Beach, including at a liquor store. According to police records, surveillance footage showed the two men entering the hotel lobby Englehardt, at about 1 a.m. on Thursday, March 18, then exiting the hotel without Englehardt about 30 minutes later. Englehardt came from Pennsylvania to Miami Beach for spring break. ALSO SEE: Miami Beach chaos isnt all college spring breakers. Smith, on the other hand, wants to go to the island to see her older sister. A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead inside a South Beach Miami hotel room after two men drugged and raped her, police said. SEE ALSO: 2 men accused of drugging, raping Bucks County woman found dead in Miami hotel room. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. I thought maybe she had died.. Last year, a social worker at the home alerted authorities back home about the now-83-year-old woman. If the drug they are alleged to have given to Englehardt is proven to have played a role in her death, they could also be facing a manslaughter or murder charge. MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) A woman was found dead at a Florida hotel after she was allegedly drugged and raped by two spring breakers who stole her credit cards to spend money on their trip, police said. A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally dead has been found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico. Police chief says Miami spring break partying 'couldn't go on any longer'. All Rights Reserved. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally . The people causing problems on Miami Beach are mostly out-of-state visitors, but many aren't college spring breakers, city officials say. She just loved the ocean, the beach, the warm sunshine, Smith told the AP. March 03, 2023 at 10:52 am EST. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Eagles' WR Zach Pascal Robbed and Assaulted at Gunpoint in Maryland, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. The men are also accused of stealing her cell phone, cash and credit cards once Englehardt was unconscious, according to a judge. I come home one night, and shes just gone, Bob Kopta told the AP. After graduating high school, she worked in finance at a Pittsburgh plate glass company and would attend ballroom dancing events weekly, according to her family. She would vacation often in Puerto Rico with her friends before she got married, Smith recalled. He obtained a death declaration about seven years after her disappearance. The Medical Examiner has not made a ruling on the cause of death as they are still awaiting toxicology results, officials said. Englehardt is a graduate of Council Rock High School North and was a manager at Jules Thin Crust Pizza in Newtown. One investigator said that a court surveillance video shows the suspects holding the victim up and that the video made it clear she was unable to consent. "I thought maybe she had died. Detectives obtained surveillance video showing them entering the Albion Hotel with the victim and later leaving without her. May 18, 2021 / 6:48 PM / CBS Miami. "Christine is everyone's daughter, sister, girlfriend, best friend, and my heart breaks for her family," D'Annunzio said. Kopta, a street preacher known as "The Sparrow," was reported missing by her husband in 1992 and was found in Puerto Rico, March 3, 2023. According to police, the body of Christine Englehardt, of Richboro, Bucks County, was found on March 18. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Two men vacationing in South Beach for spring break are charged with drugging and raping a woman who was later found dead in a hotel. They are currently being held without bond. Police arrested Dorian Taylor, 24, and Evoire Collier, 21, both from North Carolina. "If you please let my brother come home and let our family handle the situation appropriately we will do whatever is necessary that Miami-Dade County asks of us. Recommended Stories Business Insider GOP Gov. Two North Carolina men are accused of drugging and raping the Pennsylvania woman. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner told Action News that Englehardt's cause of death is "pending further studies and investigation.". Christine Englehardt was found dead in a Miami Beach hotel room. Car dealership workers kidnapped, tortured in armed robbery: police, Woman buys new tires that turn out to be 9 years old. She would vacation often in Puerto Rico with her friends before she got married, Smith recalled. ___ AP researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York. Kohlhepp said those who knew her in Puerto Rico finally made the connection and contacted Ross Township police, CBS Pittsburgh reported. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. -- A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead inside a Miami Beach hotel room after two men drugged and raped her last week, police said. D'Annunzio never met Englehardt, but he said the news of her death really affected him. Former U.S. . Her husband, Bob Kopta, and her surviving sister, 78-year-old Gloria Smith. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office did not release a cause of death. Her family said she suffered from mental health issues and feared being institutionalized, CBS Pittsburgh reported. A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead inside a South Beach Miami hotel room after two men drugged and raped her, police said. Investigators are trying to determine whether the victim's death resulted from a "green pill" the men supplied, but the Miami-Dade Medical Examiners Office said Monday it is conducting further tests, and no cause of death has been determined pending a toxicology report. Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, both of North Carolina, were arrested over the weekend and charged with sexual battery and burglary. "I come home one night, and she's just gone," Bob Kopta told the AP. Smith said her sister quit her job at the glass company after 10 years because of migraines that doctors blamed on stress. I come home one night, and shes just gone, Bob Kopta told the AP. Her father told NBC Miami that Englehardt traveled to South Florida from her Richboro home. If investigators find the pill led to her death, the suspects could face manslaughter or murder charges. Theyre also accused of stealing her credit cards and using them at several locations across Miami Beach. Upon her release, she kept preaching until she vanished in 1992. When your wife goes missing, youre a suspect.. Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, then allegedly stole her phone and credit cards, using them to fund their South Beach vacation, police said. The Miami Herald reports Collier confessed to police, The Miami Herald quotes the police report, 2 spring breakers drugged, raped woman, then partied, cops say. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Investigators believe Englehardt made contact with the suspects in a restaurant. She would vacation often in Puerto Rico with her friends before she got married, Smith recalled. Patricia Kopta had been nicknamed The Sparrow because of her slight build, and often frequented parking lots and busy roads in the largely residential community of about 31,000 north of Pittsburgh, where she would caution passersby and motorists about the end of the world. Patricia Kopta, a well-known Pittsburgh street preacher known as "The Sparrow," was found alive in Puerto Rico more than three decades after she went missing. Mourners were gathering outside of the Albion Hotel, where 24-year-old Christine Englehardt was discovered dead on March 19 after officials say she was drugged and raped by two tourists. Her husband, Bob Kopta, and her surviving sister, 78-year-old Gloria Smith. MIAMI (WPVI) -- A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead inside a South Beach Miami hotel room after two men drugged and raped her, police said. The men are accused of stealing the dead woman's credit cards to help fund their South Beach vacation, the report says. In 1972, they married. Englehardt is a graduate of Council Rock High School North and was a manager at Jules Thin Crust Pizza in Newtown, Pennsylvania. 2023 Telepictures Productions Inc. Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, also stand accused of stealing Englehardt's credit cards and cash and using them during their trip to South Beach. MIAMI BEACH, Florida (WPVI) -- Residents in Miami Beach, Florida held a vigil on Friday night to honor a Pennsylvania woman who was found dead inside a hotel room earlier this month. Is it Patricia?. Read full article. Latest Parkinson's Treatment Might Surprise You, Mother found 15-year-old daughter dead in apartment, police say, Former Puyallup police officer arrested for rape, linked to another unsolved assault, Police investigating how 3 men accused of murder entered Peachtree City teen's apartment, 18-year-old wanted for allegedly shooting girl at Monroeville hotel arrested, Woman possibly kidnapped by man she met on dating app: suburban police, Woman dead, 3 men hospitalized after shooting in West Palm Beach apartment, Akron Police arrest man for murder of 1-year-old killed in 2020 triple shooting, Young woman found stabbed to death inside suburban home. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Crowds continue to pack South Beach and even with an 8 p.m. curfew, law enforcement has their hands full. Authorities are trying to determine if she died of an overdose from a pill the men allegedly gave her. In recent weeks, South Beach has seen brawls, crowd stampedes and police confrontations involving the use of pepper balls.. A pair of tourists in South Beach for spring break have been charged with drugging and raping a woman who was later found dead in a hotel. ROSS TWP., Pennsylvania -- A Pennsylvania woman missing for more than three decades has been found alive in Puerto Rico. March 3, 2023, 4:10 PM PST. A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally dead has been found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Alleged Miami Beach Serial Rapist Facing More Charges After 5th Accuser Comes Forward. When there was a baseball game going on, when a concert was going on, she would be talking to people," Bob Kopta said about his wife. Two men have been charged in connection with the incident. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. In partnership with Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, both of North Carolina, were arrested over the weekend and charged with sexual battery and burglary. Both men matched the description given to police and were stopped and detained by detectives Sunday. 2 men accused of drugging, raping Pa. woman found dead in Miami hotel room. Strangers leave roses in front of the hotel where police say a female tourist was drugged, raped and left to die @nbc6 pic.twitter.com/NtnnzwSUZS. Years went by with no sign of her. Upon her release, she kept preaching until she vanished in 1992. "She said something about seeing an angel there," Smith recalled. Surveillance video reportedly shows two men entering the Albion Hotel with the victim and later leaving without her. Christine . So he published ads in Puerto Rican newspapers, but never got a response. "Miami Beach, we have blood on our hands. The disappearance stumped authorities and family alike. The missing person case of Patricia Kopta has been solved. Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters. A DNA test has confirmed her identity, Kohlhepp said. "She would always hang out down in Pittsburgh where things were going on. From Haiti Through Liberty City to Top Federal Prosecutor in South Florida: the Unlikely Story of Markenzy Lapointe, Pa. Woman Went Missing in 1992 and Declared Dead. "This is the last person I would ever think this would happen to. 2 men found drugged after leaving NYC gay bars were killed, medical examiner says, Patricia Kopta, Pittsburgh street preacher missing since 1992, found alive in Puerto Rico, Pittsburgh woman missing for 31 years found alive in Puerto Rico, Man finds giant clam estimated to be 214 years old. Patricia Kopta left behind a husband and siblings and meandered through northern Puerto Rico for a while before she was taken as a person in need to the adult care home in 1999, according to details announced at a news conference this week in Ross Township, where she once lived. By last year, a social worker at the home had enough information to alert authorities back home about the now-83-year-old woman. These Valuable Pennies Are Worth Thousands, Alleged Miami Beach Serial Rapist Facing More Charges After 5th Accuser Comes Forward. During the bond hearing, Collier's sister pleaded with the judge saying he has never been in trouble before. It just breaks your heart when you know she was a genuinely good person who would do anything for anybody. Shortly afterward, Kopta began preaching and was briefly institutionalized after doctors diagnosed her with "delusions of grandeur" and said she had signs of schizophrenia. Its a sad thing, but its a relief off my mind, her husband said. Collier and Taylor will reportedly be arraigned in about three weeks. Smith said her sister quit her job at the glass company after 10 years because of migraines that doctors blamed on stress. Thats when family members noticed a change in her. Investigators believe the suspects gave the victim a green pill to drug her. MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Investigators have released new video in the case of a young Pennsylvania woman who was found dead inside a South Beach hotel room during . ___ AP researcher Rhonda Shafner contributed from New York. Missing Pennsylvania woman found alive after more than 30 years. Miami Beach police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found barricaded in a hotel room she reportedly shared with her now-missing boyfriend. The men are also accused of stealing her cell phone, cash and credit cards once Englehardt was unconscious, according to a judge. Upon her release, she kept preaching until she vanished in 1992. Kopta, now 86, recalled how they met near a river in Pittsburgh where he had a boat. That's when family members noticed a change in her. But she began to divulge details as she suffered progressively from dementia, Ross Township Deputy Police Chief Brian Kohlhepp said. (Ross Township Police . Is it Patricia?'". A possible drug overdose was suspected. A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally dead has been found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico SAN JUAN . Investigators believe Englehardt made contact with the suspects in a restaurant. Is it Patricia?. Patricia Kopta had been nicknamed The Sparrow because of her slight build, and often frequented parking lots and busy roads in the largely residential community of about 31,000 north of Pittsburgh, where she would caution passersby and motorists about the end of the world. Elizabeth Khamermesh remembered her high school friend Englehardt as a bright person with dreams. If you need help with the Public File, call (954) 364-2526. According to authorities, the body of Christine Englehardt was found last Thursday. A DNA test has confirmed her identity, Kohlhepp said. She says shes been unable to speak to the elder sibling on the phone because she cannot hold a conversation given her dementia. Kopta, once known as a street preacher in her home town, initially kept her past secret while in Puerto Rico. Whether she knows me or not, I still want to see her and give her a hug and tell her I love her, Smith said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2023 WPVI-TV. Warner Bros. Entertainment | A Pennsylvania "street preacher" who mysteriously disappeared more than three decades ago was found alive in a nursing home in Puerto Rico, authorities and her family said Friday. Kopta, once known as a street preacher in her home town, initially kept her past secret while in Puerto Rico. accused of drugging and raping a 24-year-old woman later found dead in her hotel room. SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- A Pennsylvania woman who went missing more than 30 years ago in a case that stumped authorities who later declared her legally dead has been found living in a nursing home in Puerto Rico. Police chief says Miami spring break partying 'couldn't go on any longer'. Police went as far as to consult a psychic, while Kopta recalled his wife once mentioned she would like to go to Puerto Rico because of its balmy weather. Years went by with no sign of her. But on March 18, the Bucks County, Pennsylvania woman was found dead in her hotel room while on vacation in Miami Beach. Patricia Kopta left behind a husband and siblings and meandered through northern Puerto Rico for a while before she was taken as a person "in need" to the . Police allege the suspects, from . -- A 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead inside a Miami Beach hotel room after two men drugged and raped her last week, police said. Prosecutors say Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24 both of . Two North Carolina men, Evoire Collier, 21, and Dorian Taylor, 24, have been accused of drugging Englehardt with a "green. Surveillance cameras from the Albion Hotel on James Avenue show her with the two men around 1 a.m. that morning. Meanwhile, Patricia Kopta apparently was wandering the islands northern towns of Naranjito, Corozal and Toa Alta, located just southwest of the capital of San Juan. A Pennsylvania woman who vanished more than three decades ago and was declared legally dead, was found alive in a Puerto . Bob Kopta reported his wife, Patricia, missing in 1992. Two men were arrested after the 24-year-old Pennsylvania woman was found dead in a South Beach hotel during spring break. Investigators believe the suspects gave the victim a green pill to drug her. They are currently being held without bond.