AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- An Azusa family is mourning the tragic death of 17-year-old cheerleader Angelina Camillia Gonzales, who was fatally stabbed just days before Christmas. The incident has left her loved ones devastated and seeking answers.
According to the Azusa Police Department, officers responded to the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue around 10 PM on December 20, where they found Gonzales suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite efforts to rush her to the local hospital, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The suspect, identified only as 18 years old and reportedly Gonzales's ex-boyfriend, picked her up from a cheerleading banquet. Her family expressed deep concerns about their history and had warned Gonzales to stay away from him multiple times.
“When I got there, there was already crime scene tape up and forensics and all kinds of stuff,” said Robert Caraballo, Gonzales's stepfather. He recalled racing to the scene after tracking her cell phone, only to find out it was too late. “I ran up to the officers like, ‘Hey, my daughter's in there. You know, my daughter is in there. I’m trying to find her. She's not home,’ and that's when they told me, ‘Sit aside for a minute,’” he recounted, heartbroken.
Gonzales was remembered fondly by her brother, Ruben Torres, who described her as “always bubbly, happy, funny” and someone who enjoyed making jokes. “It’s unreal, like just the fact anyone could bring themselves to harm just such a sweet and loving, funny person,” Torres lamented.
The cheerleader was not only renowned for her athletic skills; she had just joined the wrestling team and won her first match. But cheerleading was her greatest passion. “She was practicing at home and wanted to be on another stunt team. That was her heart, cheering for a long time,” Caraballo said of his stepdaughter, who was also recognized for her artistic talent—her artwork was featured on display at the U.S. Capitol after winning awards.
Angelina was counting down to her 18th birthday on January 7, which is now overshadowed by tragedy. “She was amazing—I’m broken right now, not gonna lie to you,” Caraballo expressed. “The little bit of time I had with her, I can’t even…”
Her mother, Letica Pimentel Caraballo, has set up a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral costs and expressed her devastation: “She had such a great future ahead of her. She had a heart of gold. She was my perfect gorgeous Angel baby. I don’t even have the words to say. I can't even cope. I need her. Our family is devastated.”
Families and friends have come together to support Gonzales's family, including hosting fundraisers at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8070. One upcoming event scheduled for Saturday will feature a car wash and bake sale.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is actively investigating the murder, with the case now on the desk of the District Attorney’s Office. The ex-boyfriend remains in custody as officials sort out evidence and prepare for potential charges. The community has been asked to provide any information about the incident.
The tragic case of Angelina Gonzales serves as a haunting reminder of the dangers young people can face, even from those they may believe they can trust. It has sparked conversations about relationships, trust, and safety among friends and families.
Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
