Cat killer guilty of murdering stranger as he walked home in Oxford

Scarlet Blake

Jorge Javier Martin Carreno was killed on the way home from a night out

A transwoman who killed a cat in a blender has been convicted of the deliberate murder of Jorge Martin Carreno, 30, in July 2021 in Oxford. Scarlet Blake, 26, targeted Carreno, brutally attacking him as part of a warped sexual fantasy inspired by a Netflix documentary.

Blake led Carreno to a secluded riverbank where he assaulted him, ultimately resulting in Carreno's death by drowning. Prosecutors argued that Blake, who is transgender, harbored a fixation with violence and killing. This conviction comes after Blake live-streamed the sadistic killing of a cat four months prior.

During the trial, disturbing evidence was presented, including videos depicting Blake's violent tendencies and a consensual act of asphyxiation with a former partner. CCTV footage showed Blake prowling the streets of Oxford, potentially equipped with a "murder kit."

Despite Blake's denial of seeking a victim that night, evidence pointed to his involvement in Carreno's death, including DNA traces on a vodka bottle found near the scene. Home Office pathologist Dr. Brett Lockyer dismissed the possibility of accidental death, further corroborating the prosecution's case.

Blake's defense included claims of fabricated details about the murder, attributed to pressure from a former partner. Additionally, Blake described having a fragmented personality, including identifying as a cat, which was characterized by meowing as a form of communication.

Following the conviction, the Crown intends to seek a minimum prison term of 30 years due to the sexual and sadistic nature of the crime. Carreno's family expressed their grief and emphasized the need for justice and prevention of similar tragedies.

Detective Superintendent Jon Capps condemned Blake's actions as "truly disturbing" and highlighted the calculated cruelty and premeditation involved in the murder.