A suspect is in custody following the brutal murder of 17-year-old high school cheerleader Angelina Camillia Gonzales, who was found stabbed to death in California just days before Christmas, reported by the New York Post.
Angelina’s ex-boyfriend, 18-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, has been identified as the suspect. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that Rodriguez has been booked on suspicion of murder with a special allegation of using a knife. His bail is set at over $2 million.
According to Angelina’s family, Rodriguez picked her up from a cheerleading banquet on December 20 and brought her to his home. That evening, around 10 p.m., officers from the Azusa Police Department found Angelina suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead shortly after.
The family stated they were able to track Angelina’s phone to Rodriguez’s house. Her stepfather, Robert Caraballo, described the harrowing moment he arrived at the scene. “When I got there, there was already crime scene tape up and forensics and all kinds of stuff,” Caraballo told KABC. “I ran up to the officers like, ‘Hey, my daughter’s in there. I’m trying to find her. She’s not home.’ And that’s when they told me to sit aside for a minute.”
Caraballo shared that he had warned Angelina to stay away from Rodriguez multiple times. “She had a really big heart and always saw the good in him,” he said.
Angelina, who was just weeks away from turning 18 on January 7, is remembered by her family as a loving and vibrant young woman. Her mother, Letica Carabello, set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and honor her daughter’s memory.
“She had such a great future ahead of her. She had a heart of gold. She was my perfect gorgeous Angel baby,” Letica wrote. “I don’t even have the words to say. I can’t even cope. I need her. Our family is devastated.”
Authorities have confirmed Rodriguez was an acquaintance of Angelina, but the exact nature of their relationship and the motive for the killing have not been disclosed. Rodriguez is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday.
As the investigation continues, Angelina’s family and community are left mourning the tragic loss of a young life filled with promise.