Missing woman ‘killed by ex-lover who dragged body from their office in wheelie bin before dumping her 96 miles away'
Yajaira Castro Mendez, 46, was reported missing on May 31 after failing to return to her home in Ilford, East London.
Her body was discovered 96 miles away in the Bolderwood area of Hampshire on Saturday.
Yajaira's ex Juan Francisco Toledo, 51, appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with murder.
The court heard Toledo allegedly killed Yajaira on the evening of May 29 at an office where they were working in central London.
Prosecutor Caroline Carberry KC said: "The defendant was Ms Mendez's work colleague.
"They were both cleaning staff at an office building on Grays Inn Road and they had been in recent history in a relationship and on the day of her death they were both at work."
The court was told Toledo allegedly murdered Yajaira after she arrived at the office at 5pm.
Around three-and-a-half hours later, her body was removed from the building in a wheelie bin, it was said.
Toledo allegedly drove to Hampshire with Yajaira in his car then dumped the body.
A post-mortem examination to determine her cause is ongoing.
Venezuelan national Toledo, who was assisted by a Spanish interpreter, was remanded into custody.
A plea hearing was set for September 1 with a provisional trial from April 20, 2026.
The Met yesterday confirmed the body belonged to Yajaira.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Sean Beasley, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This is a very sad development in the investigation and our thoughts are very much with Yajaira's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
'Officers have been working around the clock and continue to investigate the circumstances.
'There are still crime scenes in place and we're working closely with Hampshire Police.
"We thank the community for their patience as we carry out our investigation and we continue to appeal to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to please come forward.'
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