A Texas man was sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, Marisol Klingelhofer, whose body he dismembered and burned after accusing her of stealing his deceased father’s military ID and Social Security card. Andres Perez Tarnava III, 40, was convicted for the 2021 killing, which involved horrifying acts of violence and a lack of remorse.
The crime took place on April 26, 2021, when Tarnava allegedly killed Klingelhofer, 49, in a violent outburst after accusing her of stealing important documents related to his late father. Following the murder, Tarnava disposed of her body by placing it in a barrel, which he later transported to his home. Once there, he dismembered her remains and attempted to destroy the evidence by burning the body with motor oil. The gruesome details of his actions were revealed through witness testimony and Tarnava’s own statements.
Despite the horrific nature of the crime, Tarnava showed no remorse, even bragging about it to others in the days following the murder. He reportedly expressed chilling indifference to the brutal killing, even going as far as to boast about what he had done. Tarnava’s callous remarks revealed his deep anger and vengefulness, particularly in how he regarded his father’s personal items.
During his arrest the following month, Tarnava was pulled over for a license plate violation. Investigators later discovered the gruesome details when he was found hauling the body in his trailer. Tarnava confessed to the crime, explaining that he had killed Klingelhofer over the theft of his father’s identification cards. In a shocking declaration, he expressed that he would have committed the same act again without hesitation, revealing his unrelenting anger and disregard for human life.
“I’d do it again and again,” Tarnava stated in an unsettling moment captured during his investigation. He also expressed a disturbingly vengeful attitude toward the victim, saying, “When I see her in hell, I’m going to fry her again. I would do it in a thousand years.”
The crime was particularly tragic for the victim’s family and friends, who mourned the loss of Klingelhofer in such a violent and senseless manner. Prosecutors emphasized the senselessness of the act, pointing out that no situation justifies such extreme violence. The District Attorney’s office made it clear that Tarnava’s actions were premeditated and motivated by his anger over the stolen cards, making the crime all the more tragic.
Tarnava’s criminal history, which includes felony convictions for drug possession and involvement in federal crimes, added weight to his life sentence. His status as a habitual offender, with prior convictions for transporting illegal aliens and being a felon in possession of a firearm, highlighted his longstanding disregard for the law. His previous criminal behavior painted a grim picture of a man capable of extreme violence, making his actions in this case all the more predictable.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked anger and violence, and how easily emotions can spiral into irreversible actions. The Bexar County District Attorney’s office noted that justice had been served but reminded the public of the need to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts, rather than resorting to violence.
While the case was resolved with a life sentence for Tarnava, the horror of the crime and the suffering of Klingelhofer’s family will linger. The chilling nature of the crime and Tarnava’s lack of remorse serve as a somber reminder of the darkness that can reside in individuals consumed by rage and obsession.
