The brutal murder of 17-year-old Angelina Camillia Gonzales, a high school cheerleader, just days before Christmas in Azusa, California, has sent shockwaves through the community and left her family devastated. Gonzales was found stabbed to death on the evening of December 20th, and an 18-year-old acquaintance, suspected to be her ex-boyfriend, is currently in custody. The tragedy unfolded after Gonzales attended a cheerleading banquet, from which her family claims her ex-boyfriend picked her up. Later that night, around 10 p.m., Azusa police officers discovered Gonzales suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead.
Gonzales’s family has pointed fingers at her ex-boyfriend, alleging that he was responsible for her death. They claim to have tracked her cell phone to his residence using a phone tracking app on the night of the murder. Upon arriving at the scene, Robert Caraballo, Gonzales’s stepfather, encountered police officers and crime scene tape. He recounted his desperate attempts to locate his stepdaughter, only to be met with the devastating news of her death. Caraballo admitted to having previously warned Gonzales to stay away from her ex-boyfriend, but acknowledged her kind nature and tendency to see the good in people.
The incident has left Gonzales’s family reeling from grief and disbelief. Her mother, Letica Carabello, described her daughter as having a “heart of gold” and a bright future ahead of her. Gonzales was just weeks away from her 18th birthday, a milestone she would never reach. Carabello expressed her profound sorrow and the family’s devastation through a GoFundMe page, where she shared her daughter’s vibrant spirit and the immense void her absence has created. The page has become a platform for expressing condolences and offering support to the grieving family.
While the Azusa Police Department has remained tight-lipped about the suspect’s identity, they have confirmed that he is an 18-year-old acquaintance of the victim and a resident of Azusa. This aligns with the family’s assertion that the ex-boyfriend is the prime suspect. The suspect’s arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney is reviewing the case to determine the charges. The legal proceedings will unfold in the coming days, bringing the family’s agonizing wait for justice closer to a resolution.
The investigation into Gonzales’s murder continues, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is leading the investigation and can be reached at 323-890-5500. As the community grapples with the loss of a young life full of promise, the focus remains on seeking justice for Angelina and providing support to her grieving family. The tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals.
The upcoming arraignment and subsequent legal proceedings will be crucial in determining the course of justice in this tragic case. The details surrounding the relationship between Gonzales and the suspect, as well as the events leading up to the murder, will likely be scrutinized as the investigation unfolds. The family’s claims against the ex-boyfriend, coupled with the cell phone tracking information, will undoubtedly play a significant role in the prosecution’s case. As the legal process moves forward, the community will await the outcome with bated breath, hoping for a just resolution that honors Angelina’s memory and brings closure to her grieving family.
