Life Sentence for Koi Pond Murder
Davidsonville Teen Faces Life in Prison After Murdering Local Shop Owner
A 19‑year‑old from Davidsonville has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life behind bars after admitting he killed Edward Koza, owner of a local koi pond shop. The crime occurred in May 2025, and Koza’s girlfriend—also 19—will face trial later this year.
Incident Details
Police responded to a flaming vehicle in the shop’s parking lot on May 24. The blaze was extinguished, revealing Koza’s body in the passenger seat of a pickup truck.Murder Method
Investigators say the pair seized Koza at his store, bound his arms, taped his mouth, and drove him to a gas station. They poured gasoline over the vehicle and ignited it, trapping Koza inside.
Prior Criminal Activity
Before the killing, the teen vandalized a school with a swastika and stole more than $11,000 from a bar where his girlfriend worked. He used the money to purchase a truck later transferred to Koza’s estate.Evidence at Scene
The shop search uncovered broken items, blood, and missing shoes—signs of a struggle. Melted plastic from the truck indicated it had been soaked in fuel before ignition.Court Ruling
Given the severity of the crime and the defendant’s age, a judge ordered forfeiture of approximately $215,000 in stolen cash and a $15,000 vehicle to Koza’s family.
