The shocking disappearance and murder of New Mexico woman Sasha Krause is the subject of a new episode of People Magazine Investigates.

Krause disappeared in January 2020 and a month later, his body was found outside of Arizona. She was found with a gunshot wound to the head, which was the cause of her death.

People magazine investigates: Who was Sasha Krause?

Sasha Krause was a 27-year-old woman born in Texas and reportedly had six siblings. According to those who knew her well, Krause was a deeply religious woman with a special interest in reading and writing.

When Sasha was 25 years old, she moved to Farmington, New Mexico, and lived in a Mennonite community. At the time of her death, Krause was working at a nearby bookstore and teaching Sunday school.

On January 18, 2020, Krause went to Farmington Mennonite Church to pick up some books to prepare for Sunday school the next day. When she did not return to her room after a while, one of her roommates reported her missing, after which the church authorities informed the police.

An extensive search was launched and police tried to track her down using cell phone records. Her car was found near the church, but she did not have her bag with her. Over the next several weeks, authorities proposed several theories about her sudden disappearance.

More than a month later, his body was found in Arizona, his hands bound with duct tape and a gunshot to the head. The weapon used was a .22 caliber pistol. Over the next two months, the authorities questioned people in her community and others who knew her, but were unable to find any solid leads.

Finally, using cell phone records, they managed to catch a 21-year-old US Air Force mechanic named Mark Gooch.

Why did Mark Gooch kill Sasha Krause?

Gooch was charged with kidnapping, murder and robbery. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Gooch had a grudge against the Mennonite community. This was further evidenced by the text messages exchanged between Mark and his brother Samuel. Samuel also spoke to authorities about Mark’s hatred of those who believed in the Mennonite faith.

In October 2021, a jury found 22-year-old Mark Gooch guilty of first-degree murder and was eventually sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He also received another 5 years for kidnapping.