Trial begins for man accused of fatal shooting, dismemberment of San Antonio woman

SAN ANTONIO – The case of a man accused of murdering, dismembering and burning the remains of a San Antonio woman is headed to trial.

KSAT 12 will live stream the trial of Andres Tarnava on KSAT Plus, KSAT.com and the KSAT YouTube channel.

Tarnava faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison if convicted in the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Marisol Klingelhofer.

Missing woman

In May 2021, Klingelhofer's family reported her missing after last seeing her on April 26, 2021.

As authorities searched for Klingelhofer, several witnesses helped lead them to Tarnava, who had once dated the victim.

According to an arrest affidavit, Tarnava confessed to killing Klingelhofer. He told police he also dismembered her and burned her remains in barrels found on property in Atascosa County.

Tarnava told police he killed Klingelhofer because she allegedly stole items belonging to his late father.

Tarnava was later arrested and charged with murder.

Confession video in question

In February this year, Tarnava's lawyer tried to delete the video in which Tarnava admits to the murder.

Defense attorney Cornelius Cox said Tarnava did not voluntarily confess and therefore the video should not be admitted at trial.

Texas Ranger Brett Peters told the court that Tarnava was read his Miranda rights and waived them.

Portions of the nearly eight-hour video were played during the hearing.

A judge denied the defense's motion to suppress the video and it can be shown to a jury.

The Tarnava trial will begin around 9 a.m. on June 18.

The judge issued a special order banning live chat during the YouTube broadcast.

You can watch the trial on KSAT.com, KSAT Plus and the KSAT YouTube channel.