SAN ANTONIO, TX – A Texas man received a life sentence on Monday for the brutal murder of his ex-girlfriend, an incident that included dismembering and burning her body following accusations that she had stolen from him.

Andres Perez Tarnava III, 40, will spend his life behind bars for killing Marisol Klingelhofer, 49, a gruesome act he committed in 2021. Tarnava accused Klingelhofer of stealing vital identification documents belonging to his deceased father, according to the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.

“There is never a justification for such heinous violence,” District Attorney Joe Gonzales commented. “Marisol Klingelhofer’s life was tragically cut short, and today’s verdict seeks to deliver justice to her loved ones.”

The court classified Tarnava as a habitual offender, citing multiple previous felonies, including drug possession and federal charges related to illegal firearms and transportation of undocumented individuals.

The crime occurred on April 26, 2021, according to prosecutors. Tarnava initially disposed of Klingelhofer’s body in a barrel before transporting it back to his residence, where he proceeded to dismember and incinerate her remains. A witness later testified to these acts during the trial.

The grisly details of the crime did not stop Tarnava from allegedly boasting about his actions, showing a chilling lack of remorse. This was highlighted by Assistant District Attorney Raul Jordan, who shared that Tarnava seemed to show pride in his actions.

Tarnava was apprehended a month after the murder when law enforcement stopped him for driving without a visible Vehicle Identification Number. It was during this encounter that Tarnava admitted to the crime, citing the theft allegations against Klingelhofer.

He reportedly claimed, “My dad was my world, and I would do it again,” further admitting to burning Klingelhofer’s body using motor oil.

In another shocking statement, Assistant District Attorney Willem VanZeben recounted Tarnava’s words: “When I see her in hell, I’m going to fry her again.”

Despite the horrific nature of his actions, Tarnava maintained he did not cut her body, cryptically stating to investigators, “I didn’t cut her up. Whole.”

The case has left a deep impact on the community, and the life sentence is seen as a measure of justice for Klingelhofer’s family, who continue to grapple with their loss.