In a heartbreaking case of domestic violence, C. Charron, a 39-year-old man with a history of violence against women, has been convicted of first-degree murder for the brutal killing of his 25-year-old girlfriend, L. Sardinha.
The murder took place on September 2, 2020, just hours after Sardinha took the brave step of changing the locks to her apartment in an effort to escape his abusive grasp.
A History of Abuse and Control
Charron’s conviction follows a chilling history of violent behavior, not just toward Sardinha, but several other women. During the trial, it was revealed that multiple women had filed restraining orders against Charron due to his abusive actions.
Three of these women testified in court, describing how Charron had previously slapped, choked, and abused them during their relationships. Despite these past incidents, Sardinha’s tragic fate was sealed when she became the latest target of his violent outbursts.
Sardinha’s Efforts to Break Free
Sardinha had been trying to free herself from Charron’s control for months leading up to her death. Prosecutors revealed that she had been documenting his increasingly threatening behavior, which included disturbing phone calls and confrontations.
On the morning of September 2, 2020, she took decisive action by changing the locks on her apartment to keep Charron out. She even visited the leasing office for help, where the manager allowed her to hide while Charron was escorted away.
However, Charron’s relentless pursuit did not end there. He continued to call her, but she ignored the calls, desperately trying to protect herself. Tragically, just hours after changing the locks, Sardinha’s worst fears were realized.
Sardinha’s Final Moments
In the hours leading up to her death, Sardinha made calls to both her mother and best friend, telling them she was scared. During the call with her best friend, Sardinha was heard panicking, saying, “Oh my God, he’s here!” before the call abruptly ended. Alarmed, her friend immediately called 911.
Meanwhile, Sardinha attempted to leave another voicemail. In it, her screams could be heard as she begged for help, crying out, “He’s gonna kill me!” and “Get away from me!”. Prosecutors described the voicemail as a tragic recording of “a woman narrating her own murder.”
The Savage Attack
Charron entered Sardinha’s apartment and, in a violent frenzy, stabbed her multiple times in the chest and face with several knives. The attack was so brutal that Sardinha succumbed to her injuries before police could arrive.
Afterward, Charron tried to stage the scene, attempting to make it appear as though he had acted in self-defense. He even inflicted stab wounds on himself and claimed that he didn’t fully comprehend what had happened during the attack.
However, prosecutors pointed out significant flaws in Charron’s story. They highlighted that Sardinha, who had suffered a previous motorcycle injury that left her weak, could not have physically attacked him as he claimed.
The idea of mutual combat was dismissed, with prosecutors emphasizing that Charron was the aggressor throughout the entire ordeal.
The Conviction
The case was a clear illustration of the power imbalance in abusive relationships. Jurors deliberated for less than a day before convicting Charron of first-degree murder. His attempt to manipulate the truth and paint himself as a victim failed to convince the jury.
Sardinha’s family and loved ones now have a sense of justice, but it comes too late for a woman who had desperately tried to escape a violent relationship. Charron is scheduled to be sentenced on July 25, 2025, and faces the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.