A man, Luis Antonio Gomes Akay, has been found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Anna Laura Costa Porsborg, an army reservist, even though her body has never been located. The verdict was reached in a trial where the jury deliberated for less than three hours. Gomes Akay, aged 39, could face a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for 27 April.
The court proceedings revealed that the couple traveled from New Jersey to Los Angeles on Christmas Eve in 2022 and stayed at a hotel in El Segundo. Following their visit to local sites, an argument ensued on 27 December after they went bowling. Upon returning to their hotel, Porsborg disappeared without a trace.
According to information from the Los Angeles County DA’s Office, Gomes Akay was observed moving a large suitcase from their hotel two days later. Subsequent phone and GPS data indicated that he drove to the Angeles National Forest and spent about an hour there before returning to the hotel to report Porsborg missing.
During the trial, it was highlighted that Gomes Akay displayed controlling and possessive behavior, as stated in a news release. Witnesses from Brazil testified about a previous girlfriend of Gomes Akay who also went missing after their relationship ended, with her body never being found.
Notably, testimony from Gomes Akay’s friends mentioned his belief in the phrase ‘no body, no crime.’ Porsborg’s mother, who received regular updates from her during the LA trip, raised the alarm when the communication abruptly ceased. This led to authorities, including the FBI, becoming involved in the case.
On December 31, 2022, a detective from the El Segundo Police Department visited the hotel room where Gomes Akay and Porsborg were staying. Gomes Akay claimed that Porsborg had left the hotel following an argument, expressing a desire to sever contact with him.
During a subsequent preliminary hearing in 2023, the detective observed fresh abrasions on Gomes Akay’s hands and what appeared to be rug burns near his elbows. Gomes Akay was arrested on suspicion of murder on 1 January 2023.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the difficulty in proving ‘no body’ cases due to their reliance on circumstantial evidence. He commended Deputy District Attorney Hilary Williams and investigators for their meticulous presentation of evidence, ensuring justice for Anna.
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