Jorge Garay, 46, from Hythe Street, Dartford, has been found guilty of murdering his partner, 37-year-old Karla Godoy, during a holiday in Peru. The court heard that Garay killed Karla before burying her body in a makeshift grave on family-owned land in Lima.
The conviction was secured at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 17 July 2023, with the jury reaching a verdict after just seven hours of deliberation.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the couple travelled from the UK on 15 September 2022, passing through Spain before arriving in Peru. Karla, a mother of one, last contacted her family on 23 September, stating she planned to travel to Spain the following day. However, she never arrived.
Concern grew among Karla’s family, who live in Honduras and Spain, when contact was lost. They reported her disappearance to police in Spain and Peru, prompting investigations. Kent Police were also informed as the search intensified.
On 4 October, Garay returned alone to the UK. He told his landlord that Karla had stayed behind in Spain and claimed he had been robbed of money and identification while away. Shortly after, he emptied their rented flat in Dartford, returned the keys, and disappeared from the area.
Friends and family continued to search for Karla. On 12 October, Garay reportedly confessed over the phone to killing Karla during an argument, claiming self-defence. That same day, Peruvian police discovered Karla’s body buried in the garden of the family’s land. She had been strangled and was identified through fingerprint analysis.
Garay was arrested in London on 14 October with assistance from the Metropolitan Police. The Crown Prosecution Service charged him with murder on 16 October.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Lee Neiles said: “Karla Godoy’s life was violently cut short by a man she trusted during what was supposed to be a holiday for the couple. Garay’s actions not only ended her life but he tried to cover up his crimes by callously disposing of her body and hiding it in a makeshift grave.”
“Karla leaves behind a young daughter who now faces growing up without her mum and leaves a family without their daughter, sister and aunt.”
“Despite Garay’s initial confession to Karla’s family, he pleaded not guilty and instead chose to put her family through the ordeal of a trial, where details were heard that no family should have to listen to.”
“This was a complex case which involved working with international police forces, agencies and prosecuting authorities and I’m pleased we have been able to secure this conviction and hope it offers some justice for Karla and her family.”
Jorge Garay is due to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 28 July 2023.
Originally published by UKNIP.
