A Texas resident, Andres Perez Tarnava III, 40, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal murder and dismemberment of his former girlfriend, Marisol Klingelhofer, 49. Tarnava was convicted on Monday, according to a statement from the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Tarnava had accused Klingelhofer of stealing his deceased father’s military identification and Social Security card.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales emphasized in the statement that violence is never a justified response. He expressed regret that if Tarnava had not taken the law into his own hands, Klingelhofer would still be alive. Gonzales also extended his condolences to Klingelhofer’s family and friends, assuring them that the verdict was a testament to the justice system’s commitment to their cause.
Tarnava, who had a history of felony convictions, including possession of a controlled substance and federal convictions for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and possession of a firearm as a felon, was classified as a habitual offender. His most recent crime occurred on April 26, 2021, when he murdered Klingelhofer and disposed of her body in a barrel.
Witnesses testified that Tarnava transported the barrel to his residence, where he dismembered and burned Klingelhofer’s remains to eliminate evidence. Local media outlets reported that Tarnava showed no remorse for his actions and even boasted about them for several days.
Tarnava was apprehended the following month during a traffic stop for a license plate violation. The trailer he was towing lacked a visible Vehicle Identification Number, leading to his arrest. During his confession, Tarnava reiterated his accusation that Klingelhofer had stolen his late father’s identification and Social Security card.
Tarnava expressed no regret for his actions, stating that he would repeat them if given the chance. He also admitted to using motor oil to burn Klingelhofer’s body. His chilling words were recounted by Bexar County Assistant District Attorney Willem VanZeben during the trial, who quoted Tarnava as saying he would “fry her again” if he encountered her in hell.
Tarnava also addressed the dismemberment of Klingelhofer’s body during his confession, denying that he had cut her up entirely.