Security guard convicted of Florida native's 2018 murder in Costa Rica
TAMPA, Fla. - The trial is over for the man accused of killing Carla Stefaniak in Costa Rica back in 2018. Monday, three judges sentenced Bismarck Espinoza Martinez to 16 years in prison.
People from around the world have followed this case closely, advocating for justice for the woman formerly from Tampa. After three long weeks of testimony and more than a year of mourning Carla's death, her family and friends finally get a piece of closure. But they know the sentence will never fit the crime.
"We are obviously very disappointed," said close friend, Greg Zwolinski. "I don't think 16 years justifies taking this amazing human being away from us. Not even close."
Monday, in the Criminal Court of Pavas, three Costa Rican judges made the call, ending this 3-week-long "simple homicide" or second-degree murder trial.
"She had that loud, vibrant personality in the way she dressed and talked and everything," Zwolinski said. "She was just an absolutely unforgettable human being."
Stefaniak traveled to Costa Rica in November 2018 to celebrate her 36th birthday. Martinez was a security guard at the villa she'd rented through Airbnb. Prosecutors say he took advantage of his position, killing her in a "sexually-motivated" crime, then moving her body.
"It's so sad that someone she entrusted ended up being that guy that killed her," Zwolinski said.
A dozen witnesses, including Carla's father, testified. Martinez stayed silent. His defense maintained his innocence, claiming there were gaps in the investigation.
Bismarck Espinoza Martinez
The judges ordered Martinez and the villa property to pay Stefaniak's family 30 million Colones in civil damages or about $53,000 USD.
The verdict brings some closure.
"One day he will have his judgment day in front of God," Zwolinski said.
And although Carla's loved ones had hoped to see a harsher punishment.
"I do find a lot of comfort in the fact that that's 16 years that this monster can't hurt another woman out there," Zwolinski said.
Carla Stefaniak was a big advocate for human rights, especially, women's rights. Zwolinski said she'd want them to continue spreading awareness that these crimes do happen.
While they're still working out the details, those behind the "Finding Carla" Facebook page hope to keep it up and running, so they can bring about positive changes from a heartbreaking situation.