News Summary
Craig J. Charron was sentenced to 26 years to life for the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Laura Sardinha. Despite her efforts to escape his abusive behavior, Sardinha was tragically stabbed to death. The case highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and the need for awareness in preventing such tragedies.
Huntington Beach, CA — Craig J. Charron, 39, was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for the first-degree murder of his girlfriend, Laura Sardinha, 25. The sentencing took place following Sardinha’s tragic stabbing on September 2, 2020, a day when she had taken steps to protect herself by changing the locks to her apartment in an effort to keep Charron out.
Sardinha was a college student pursuing an online degree in psychology, motivated by her own experiences to help women in abusive relationships. She had been trying to escape her tumultuous relationship with Charron, who had a documented history of violence, including past incidents of physical abuse against her and multiple restraining orders filed against him by three previous girlfriends due to his violent behavior.
On the day of her death, Sardinha recorded a plea urging Charron to leave her apartment, emphasizing her fear of him. She took decisive action by changing the locks with a maintenance worker. However, Charron was able to gain entry into her apartment around 1:15 p.m. Shortly thereafter, during a three-way phone call with her mother and a friend, Sardinha was heard in distress, exclaiming that Charron was there. Just moments before the fatal attack, she left a voicemail for her friend screaming that he was going to kill her.
During the fatal confrontation, Charron inflicted multiple stab wounds to Sardinha, including severe injuries to her chest and head, and nearly severing her nose. After the attack, he was found at the scene with stab wounds to his chest and neck, injuries believed to have been self-inflicted in an attempted fabrication of a self-defense claim.
Craig Charron, who identified as an Air Force veteran, wore green camouflage inmate scrubs during the sentencing. He was condemned for his brutal actions, described by Senior Deputy District Attorney Janine Madera as “senseless and brutal.” Madera emphasized the abusive behavior Charron exhibited in the lead-up to the murder, underscoring the intense dynamics of control and violence present in their relationship.
The court proceedings also featured emotional testimony from Sardinha’s family, particularly her mother, who expressed profound sadness over the loss of her daughter and called for Charron to remain in prison. In his defense, Charron’s attorney argued that the incident was an example of mutual combat, suggesting that he may have acted out of a “heat of passion.” However, the prosecutor highlighted the ongoing manipulative and abusive patterns Charron exhibited, claiming he had tormented and tortured Sardinha for attempting to leave him.
Despite the serious nature of the charges and his violent history, Charron did not issue any statement or apology during the sentencing, raising questions about accountability and remorse in cases of domestic violence. The tragic case of Laura Sardinha serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers associated with domestic abuse, highlighting the critical need for awareness and preventive measures.
This case illuminates the significant societal issue of domestic violence and the protection of individuals attempting to break free from abusive relationships. Awareness and education on the dangers of domestic abuse remain essential in preventing future tragedies.
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Additional Resources
- My News LA: Man Faces Life Sentence for Killing Girlfriend in Huntington Beach
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- NBC Los Angeles: Man Faces Possible Death Penalty in Fourth of July Stabbings
- Google Search: Domestic Violence
- KTLA: Deadly Fourth of July Stabbing Victim in Huntington Beach Memorialized
- Google Scholar: Domestic Violence Awareness
- Fox LA: Man Convicted in Grisly Stabbing Death of Girlfriend
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
