Catalina Birlea was killed at an address in Cambridge on October 2, 2025
A man has been found guilty of murdering a woman in Cambridge. Jurors found Jon Ismaili, 34, guilty of murder after nine hours of deliberation at Cambridge Crown Court.
Ismaili, of School Lane, Waterbeach, killed Catalina Birlea at a property in Chesterton Road on October 2, 2025. The court heard that Ismaili travelled to where Catalina was staying at around 8.50am.
He stayed in the house for around two hours, covering his face from CCTV cameras when he left. Around an hour and a half later, a friend entered the Chesterton Road property and found Catalina unresponsive.
Emergency services were called and despite best efforts, Catalina was pronounced dead at the scene. A manhunt was launched to find Ismaili and he was arrested on October 5.
Phone data showed Catalina’s phone had been connected to the local area around his home after the murder. A post-mortem concluded that Catalina died as a result of compression of the neck.
During interview, Ismaili made no comment and pleaded not guilty to murder. He will be sentenced on June 29.
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.”
You must be logged in to post a comment Login