Officials Say Colorado Springs Murder Suspect Tried To Steal Plane
ST. GEORGE, Utah (CBS4) - A pilot accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend in Colorado Springs stole a plane in St. George, Utah, and committed suicide while in the cockpit, according to authorities.
CBS4 has confirmed Brian Hedglin, 40, a SkyWest airlines pilot, was in the cockpit.
Hedglin was wanted in connection with the murder of 39-year-old Christina Cornejo. According to The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Hedglin and Cornejo had dated for four years. Colorado Springs authorities confirm Hedglin was free on bond when she was killed. Hedglin faced charges of harassment.
The Associated Press reported a motorcycle was found by a police officer making rounds around the perimeter of the St. George Municipal Airport. The officer found a plane idling while searching for the owner of the motorcycle and he called the airline.
The airline employee entered the plane and found Hedglin with a gunshot wound to his head.
There were no passengers on board the CRJ200 Jet, which was not in service at the time of the crash. The airport in St. George is closed for the investigation.
Hedglin allegedly scaled a razor wire fence using a rug at the St. George Municipal Airport to get to the plane. He then taxied the plane toward a terminal, clipping the wing before crashing the plane into cars in the airport parking lot.
FAA records show Hedglin was rated to fly commercial planes. The Associated Press reported that SkyWest confirmed he was a pilot for them but was on administrative leave after it was found he was a murder suspect.
The Federal Aviation Administration and Transportation Security Administration say the airport meets all security requirements. About a dozen flights arrive and take off from the airport daily.
The Associated Press also reported Hedglin was a member of the Colorado National Guard and worked as a cook. He had never been deployed.
COMPANY STATEMENT: SkyWest Confirms Information Regarding Aircraft Incident In St. George
