Man found guilty of murdering young woman in Cambridge
Jon Ismaili had travelled to the address the 23-year-old was working from and remained in the property for two hours
A 34-year-old man has been found guilty of murder following the death of a 23-year-old in Cambridge.
The jury at Cambridge Crown Court reached a unanimous verdict after nearly nine hours of deliberation.
On 2nd October last year, Jon Ismaili travelled to where Catalina Birlea was staying on Chesterton Road.
He entered her home at around 8.50am and left two hours later, having covered his face from CCTV cameras as he exited.
A friend discovered Catalina unresponsive in her home approximately ninety minutes after Ismaili left.
Paramedics rushed to assist her but she was declared dead upon their arrival.
Facial recognition technology identified Ismaili entering and leaving the property.
He was arrested on 5th October following a manhunt.
Phone records indicated Catalina's mobile was connected to Ismaili's home location after the murder.
A post-mortem examination revealed Catalina died due to compression of the neck.
Ismaili, from School Lane, Waterbeach, maintained his innocence throughout interviews and trial, pleading not guilty to the murder charges.
His sentencing is scheduled for 29th June.
Detective Inspector Mark Dollard said:
“Only Ismaili knows what happened at the property that morning and why he murdered Catalina.
He left the house knowing exactly what he had done, covering his face and actively avoiding police.
I am pleased officers were able to catch up with him so quickly through diligent detective work putting together a comprehensive investigation.
Catalina was working as a sex worker that morning, and this case underlines the risks faced by those in this industry.
To those working in the sex industry who have experienced violence please report it to the police.
We will listen, we will investigate without prejudice and we will support you.”