LACOMBE, La. — A Lacombe resident, Fernando Cortez, 30, was convicted of second-degree murder in the brutal killing of his girlfriend, Sandra Aldridge, in a case that shocked the community in April 2020. The verdict, reached after just 20 minutes of deliberations by a St. Tammany Parish jury, underlines a disturbing episode of domestic violence ending in a gruesome crime.
In the early morning hours of April 17, 2020, Cortez made a chilling 911 call claiming both he and his wife were stabbed and near death. During police questioning, he confessed to killing Aldridge by stabbing her multiple times, additionally claiming he amputated her leg because he thought she had COVID-19, according to the District Attorney’s office statements.
Upon arrival at their home, law enforcement discovered a horrifying scene. Aldridge’s body was found with multiple stab wounds to her neck and hands, and her left leg severed from above her knee. Evidence of an attempt to clean the crime scene included the smell of bleach, and outside, officers found a freshly dug hole and a shovel, suggesting premeditation.
A further grim discovery was made after officers obtained a search warrant: Aldridge’s severed leg was found wrapped in plastic in the freezer, along with the hacksaw Cortez used in the amputation. This chilling detail underscored the brutal nature of the killing.
Testimony revealed that Aldridge had intended to end the relationship and had plans to move to Florida, staying with a friend who testified about these intentions during the trial. Evidence showed that Aldridge had searched for inexpensive flights and texted Cortez earlier on the day of her murder, indicating her plan to leave.
In a post-crime interview, Cortez admitted to not recognizing Aldridge’s intentions to leave him, which he claimed spurred a confrontation about her having a COVID-19 test. He confessed to the stabbing and further admitted to panicking afterward, which led to him severing her leg and beginning to dig a grave before realizing he had “taken it too far.”
This case has highlighted not only the severe impacts of domestic disputes that escalate into violence but also the additional stressors introduced by the global pandemic. Cortez’s mention of COVID-19 as a factor in his homicidal actions points to the complex interplay of personal stress and broader societal anxiety during the pandemic.
Legal experts comment that the swift guilty verdict reflects the strong case built by prosecutors, underpinned by Cortez’s own admissions and the gruesome physical evidence presented at trial. Forensic analysis of the crime scene and the clear motive established due to Aldridge’s desire to leave Cortez were crucial in securing the conviction.
As Cortez awaits sentencing scheduled for July 23, he faces a mandatory life sentence under Louisiana law for second-degree murder. This case serves as a dire reminder of the fatal potential of domestic violence and the importance of addressing conflicts in non-violent ways, especially during universally stressful times.