Catalina Birlea was killed at a property in Cambridge in October 2025
A man who killed a sex worker in Cambridge has been sentenced to life in prison. Jon Ismaili, 34, was found guilty at Cambridge Crown Court on June 26 of the murder of Catalina Birlea.
Ismaili, of School Lane, Waterbeach, went to the address where Catalina was staying in Chesterton Road on October 2 and stayed there for around two hours. He then left and a friend found Catalina unresponsive.
She was pronounced dead at the scene. Following a manhunt for Ismaili, he was arrested on October 5. A post-mortem revealed Catalina died as a result of a compression of her neck.
Today (Monday, June 29), Ismaili was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 18 and a half years. Following his guilty verdict last week, 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.”
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