Duluth Man Convicted of Murdering 19-Year-Old Escort After Dispute Over Payment

A Gwinnett County jury convicted Timothy James Krueger, 51, of Duluth, for the fatal stabbing of 19-year-old Sarai Llanos Gomez after a dispute over money. Krueger was found guilty Friday of malice murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault for the June 16, 2022, attack. The jury deliberated for two hours before returning the verdict.

“This was a cruel, brutal way for this young woman to die,” District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson said. “Ms. Llanos Gomez has two children who are motherless. This defendant was cold and calculating, and the jury’s swift verdict will deliver much-deserved justice to Ms. Llanos Gomez and to her family and loved ones.”

On the night of the murder, Krueger requested an escort, but Llanos Gomez was sent instead of his preferred choice. A dispute over payment led to Krueger becoming agitated, as he had previously been robbed by an escort. Llanos Gomez, significantly smaller than Krueger, attempted to leave with a knife she retrieved from the kitchen. Krueger disarmed her, stabbing her in the back and repeatedly across her body before slashing her throat. He then wrapped her body in a blanket, placed it in his car, and disposed of it in a wooded area in Hall County.

Homeowners discovered Llanos Gomez’s body four days later, leading to police involvement. Investigators identified Llanos Gomez through cell phone activity and matched a suspect vehicle from a Ring camera to Krueger’s car. Krueger confessed to the crime but claimed self-defense in court.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Gabriela Benghiat, Kelli Diamond Johnson, and Chief Assistant District Attorney John Melvin. Investigator Tiffany Mosley and Victim Advocate Sara Gardner assisted, while Gwinnett County Police Detective Ryan Jorstad and Hall County Sheriff’s Investigator Joseph Groover played key roles in securing Krueger’s confession.

Krueger’s sentencing will occur at a later date.