Tragic Murder: Ex-boyfriend Stabs 17-Year-Old Azusa Cheerleader
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed criminal charges on Tuesday against Daniel Rodriguez, the ex-boyfriend of a 17-year-old girl who was fatally stabbed last week in Azusa. Rodriguez, 18, of Azusa, was taken into custody on Saturday and charged with one count of murder. Prosecutors alleged that the suspect committed the crime using a knife. Rodriguez’s arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 8, and he is currently being held in jail in lieu of a $2-million bond.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred on Dec. 21 inside a home in the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue in Azusa. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that officers from the Azusa Police Department responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon that Friday night. Upon arrival, officers found a 17-year-old girl suffering from stab wounds. She was rushed to the hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Family’s Devastation
The victim was identified as Angelina Camillia Gonzales by her family. Angelina’s stepfather, Robert Caraballo, revealed that the suspect had picked her up from a cheerleader banquet and taken her to his home without her family’s knowledge. Concerned about her whereabouts, the family was able to track her cellphone to locate her. The heartbreaking moment when Angelina’s parents arrived at the crime scene and realized she was inside the house was described by Caraballo in an emotional interview with ABC7.
Mother’s Grief and GoFundMe
Angelina’s mother, Leticia Pimentel Caraballo, shared her grief on a GoFundMe page created to help cover her daughter’s funeral expenses. Angelina was set to celebrate her 18th birthday on Jan. 7, a milestone that will now never be reached. Pimentel Caraballo described Angelina as having a heart of gold and being her perfect, gorgeous Angel baby. The family is devastated by the loss and struggling to come to terms with the senseless act of violence that took Angelina’s life.
The tragic murder of Angelina Camillia Gonzales by her ex-boyfriend has left a community in mourning and a family shattered. The stark reality of domestic violence and its devastating consequences is once again thrust into the spotlight with this heartbreaking incident, reminding us all of the importance of recognizing the signs and seeking help before it’s too late. Let us stand together to support Angelina’s family in their time of need and work towards preventing such tragedies in the future.
