HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. — A man has been convicted in the brutal killing of his ex-girlfriend, a case that has drawn attention to the serious issue of domestic violence. Craig Charron, 39, was found guilty of murdering 25-year-old Laura Sardinha in a knife attack that occurred in September 2020, just hours after she had taken steps to protect herself, including changing her locks and obtaining a restraining order against him.
On the day of the incident, Sardinha was speaking to her mother and a close friend when Charron entered her apartment armed with multiple knives. Panic surged through Sardinha as she uttered, “Oh my God, he’s here,” before the call abruptly ended. Her friend promptly dialed emergency services, but moments later, Sardinha left a harrowing 37-second voicemail. In a desperate plea for help, she could be heard screaming, “He’s gonna kill me!” and crying out for Charron to get away from her.
During the trial, prosecutors unveiled the disturbing details of the attack. Charron launched a vicious assault, delivering multiple stabs that resulted in severe injuries, including near-severing of her nose and critical wounds to her chest and head. Authorities discovered Sardinha deceased inside her home, while Charron was found with self-inflicted wounds, which prosecutors argued were an attempt to fabricate a self-defense claim.
Charron, an Air Force veteran and former combat medic, claimed he had little recollection of the events. However, evidence presented in court outlined a troubling history of abusive behavior. Earlier that same day, Sardinha had confided in a friend about Charron’s inappropriate advances, stating that he had woken her and demanded sexual favors. Concerned for her safety, Sardinha recorded a video saying, “Please get away from me,” highlighting her fear of Charron, who had a pattern of harassment.
In a bid to escape, Sardinha sought refuge in her apartment complex’s leasing office after spotting Charron nearby. Property staff aided her in changing the locks, but investigators believe that the door may have been left unlocked later, enabling Charron to enter again.
The trial also showcased testimonies from three of Charron’s former partners, all of whom recounted experiences of abuse. One woman described an instance where he choked her and struck her with a wine bottle. Each of these women had previously obtained restraining orders against Charron, indicating a long-standing history of violence.
As Charron awaits sentencing, the case has ignited discussions about the critical issue of intimate partner violence and the severe outcomes that can arise when red flags are overlooked. The tragic loss of Laura Sardinha underscores the urgent need for societal and legal reforms to better protect individuals from domestic abuse.