A domestic violence case involving an Air Force veteran and his ex-girlfriend ended in a horrific murder that was partially recorded on a voicemail in Huntington Beach, California.

According to KTLA, Craig Charron, 39, was found guilty of first-degree murder by an Orange County jury on Tuesday for the brutal stabbing death of his ex-girlfriend Laura Sardinha, 25, in September 2020.

The relationship between Charron and Sardinha was marked by escalating abuse and financial manipulation. After moving into Sardinha's Huntington Beach apartment, Charron's controlling behavior intensified.

Following a motorcycle accident in 2019, Sardinha received a $750,000 settlement, of which she gave Charron $100,000. His response to receiving the money revealed his possessive nature, as he texted her, expressing that this proved she was "all his."

History of Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders

Prior to Sardinha's murder, multiple women had sought legal protection from Charron through restraining orders. At least three other women testified during the trial about their experiences with him.

The pattern of abuse in his relationship with Sardinha was well-documented through recordings she made on her phone, including one particularly disturbing exchange just two weeks before her death.

Sardinha had complained about hearing problems due to a damaged eardrum from Charron's physical abuse. His response to her pain, recorded in their exchange, demonstrated his manipulative nature and disregard for her wellbeing.

According to testimony during the trial, Charron, despite standing 6 feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, claimed self-defense against his much smaller ex-girlfriend. His defense attorney attempted to downplay his violent history by characterizing it as "non-murderous violence."

Final Moments Captured in Chilling Recording

The events leading to Sardinha's death on September 2, 2020, began with her attempts to protect herself. That morning, she had arranged for maintenance to change her apartment locks and deliberately ignored Charron's attempts to contact her. While on a three-way call with her mother and best friend around 1:15 p.m., she suddenly announced Charron's presence.

The final moments of Sardinha's life were captured in a voicemail message that prosecutors described as particularly haunting. The recording documented the violent attack that followed, during which Charron stabbed her multiple times with extreme brutality.

When police arrived at the scene, they found Sardinha deceased and Charron still present, suffering from self-inflicted wounds to his chest and neck. The attack was particularly savage, with Charron stabbing her twice in the chest, nearly severing her nose, and striking her head with such force that the knife bent.

Conviction and Upcoming Sentencing

The jury's swift deliberation resulted in a first-degree murder conviction for Charron after less than a day of discussion. His claim of self-defense failed to convince jurors, who likely considered the significant size difference between him and Sardinha, as well as his documented history of violence.

The guilty verdict carries potential consequences of 26 years to life in prison for Charron. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 25, where he will face judgment for the brutal murder that ended the life of a young woman pursuing a psychology degree.