Dartford Man Guilty of Murdering Partner in Peru
Jorge Garay, 46, has been found guilty of murdering 37-year-old Karla Godoy before dumping her body in a makeshift grave on family-owned land in Lima, Peru.
Swift Verdict After Shocking Crime
Garay, from Hythe Street, Dartford, was convicted at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday 17 July 2023. The jury took just seven hours to deliver their verdict.
The court heard that the couple travelled from the UK on 15 September 2022, heading through Spain before arriving in Peru. Karla, a mother of one, last contacted her family on 23 September to say she planned to travel to Spain the next day — but she never arrived.
Family Raises Alarm After Disappearance
Karla’s family, living in Honduras and Spain, grew concerned when they lost contact. They alerted police in Spain and Peru, who launched investigations. kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police were also contacted as the search intensified.
On 4 October, Garay returned alone to the UK, telling his landlord that Karla had stayed behind in Spain. He claimed he had been robbed of money and ID while away. Shortly after, he emptied their rented flat in Dartford and handed back the keys before disappearing from the area.
Confession and Arrest
Friends and Karla’s family continued searching. On 12 October, Garay reportedly confessed over the phone to killing Karla during an argument, claiming self-defence.
The same day, Peruvian police found Karla’s body buried in the garden of the family’s land. She had been strangled and was identified via fingerprints.
Garay was arrested in London on 14 October with help 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.”
Garay is set to be sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday 28 July.
