Voicemail recorded murdered woman's final moments

Laura Sardinha had the locks changed but that didn't stop her killer

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Talented cook Laura Sardinha, 25, was working in a bar, but had big dreams of going to culinary school.

Laura enjoyed sharing her cookies and bakes with loved ones and had the potential to turn professional. But in 2019, she was involved in a motorcycle accident, which sadly put an end to her ambition.

As well as other injuries, Laura's right arm and hand were so badly damaged that movement was limited. She wasn't even able to cut lemons or do other tasks in the bar, so she had to change careers completely.

Laura received a $750,000 settlement from the accident and wanted to put it to good use. She planned on taking a psychology course and opening a therapy business to help others, including women in abusive relationships.

In June 2020, Laura met Craig Charron, 39. He'd been in the US Air Force and their relationship progressed quickly. Charron moved into Laura's apartment in Huntington Beach, California, and friends started to hear less from her. It was all part of his plan to isolate and control Laura.

Manipulation

Charron managed to manipulate vulnerable Laura into giving him nearly $100,000 of her settlement money. After a large transfer of money to him, he messaged her to say, "Thank you for showing me that you are all mine." Laura had found herself in an abusive relationship.

It soon turned violent. In one text on 15 August, Charron asked Laura where she was going and she replied, "Locking myself in a box so you can't beat me any more." She also messaged him saying, "You keep hitting me." He bluntly replied, "Massage my calves or end this relationship."