Man Convicted of Murder Years After Army Reservist Girlfriend Disappeared on Vacation. He Allegedly Said, ‘No Body, No Crime’

A 39-year-old man has been found guilty of first-degree murder in relation to the disappearance of his girlfriend, Anna Laura Costa Porsborg, whose body has never been located. The verdict was handed down on April 3, 2023, and stems from a tragic incident that occurred while the couple was on holiday in Los Angeles in December 2022.

Luis Antonio Gomes Akay was convicted following the death of 22-year-old Porsborg, an Army Reservist, after a holiday trip that began on Christmas Eve. According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the couple checked into a hotel in El Segundo and spent the following days visiting various attractions in the area. However, their holiday took a disturbing turn after an argument arose following a visit to a bowling alley on December 27.

Subsequently, Porsborg was never seen or heard from again. Evidence presented during the trial indicates that Gomes Akay was seen dragging a large suitcase from the hotel two days later. Cell phone and GPS data revealed he drove to the Angeles National Forest, where he remained for about an hour, raising significant concerns among investigators.

Prosecutors outlined Gomes Akay’s controlling and jealous behaviour during the trial, emphasising testimonies from two of his friends who claimed he would often say, “no body, no crime.” This chilling remark has added a layer of intrigue to the already complex case.

Porsborg, originally from Brazil, had kept in touch with her mother throughout the trip, sending photographs and messages until communication unexpectedly ceased. Alarmed by the sudden lack of contact, her mother eventually reached out to authorities, prompting an investigation that led to the involvement of the FBI.

On New Year’s Eve 2022, a detective from the El Segundo Police Department attempted to speak with Gomes Akay in his hotel room. He reportedly stated that Porsborg had left the hotel following an argument, asserting that she had expressed her desire not to be contacted again. However, this claim raised suspicions among investigators.

During preliminary hearings earlier this year, the same detective noted signs of possible struggle, observing fresh abrasions on Gomes Akay’s hands and what appeared to be rug burns near his elbows. These findings contributed to the evidence that ultimately led to his arrest on suspicion of murder on January 1, 2023.

Despite the jury’s decision, Gomes Akay’s attorney, Stephen Robert Kahn, has expressed his client’s steadfast claim of innocence. He has indicated plans to appeal the conviction, labelling the case as complex and emotionally charged. Kahn remarked, “My client will explore all his options in terms of getting this case reversed.”

The official sentencing hearing for Gomes Akay is scheduled for April 27, and it is anticipated that the case will continue to draw significant public interest, particularly given the lack of a body and the ongoing mystery surrounding Porsborg’s disappearance.

As authorities piece together the circumstances of this troubling case, many are left wondering about the fate of Anna Laura Costa Porsborg, a young woman whose life was tragically cut short, and the impact of Gomes Akay’s conviction on her family and friends. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding cases of domestic violence and the sometimes devastating consequences they entail.