In November 2011, American Yvonne Baldelli went missing in Bocas del Toro, Panama. She had moved there will her boyfriend, former U.S. Marine Brian Brimager. After serving seven years in the Marine Corps, he left the U.S. to “decompress.” But once in Panama, Baldelli and Brimager started to fight a lot, and then Baldelli went missing. While Baldelli’s family flew to Panama to search for Yvonne’s body in the swamps and jungles, Brimager returned to States and got married to a woman he had known for years.
When Baldelli’s dismembered body was found in bags in the jungle, Brimager initially pleaded not guilty. But when his DNA was found on the machete used to dismember Baldelli’s body he confessed to stabbing and dismembering her. In May 2016, Brimager was sentenced to 26 years in prison. He did not get the maximum sentenced due to his service to the country as a U.S. Marine. “No matter how heinous the crime, this is a man who has served his country for seven years — going on numerous tours including Iraq, Fallujah where he fought for his country,” Judge Miller said. “He also has a minimum criminal record.” After his sentencing, Yvonne’s sister Michelle Faust spoke to the press, “In 26 years he’ll be able to be with his family again.” 48 Hours airs at 9pm and 10pm on CBS.
