Days before her 18th birthday, the life of 17-year-old Angelina Camillia Gonzales was tragically cut short when she was found fatally stabbed at her ex-boyfriend's home in Azusa, California, on December 20, 2024.
Her family reported the tragic incident and described Gonzales as not only a dedicated cheerleader but also a skilled wrestler and award-winning artist, whose works have even graced the halls of the U.S. Capitol. The incident occurred after Gonzales had attended a cheerleading banquet and was picked up by her ex-boyfriend. Later, around 10 p.m., the Azusa Police Department responded to 911 calls indicating something was wrong at the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Gonzales suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after, devastating her family. The suspect, also 18 years old, remains unnamed as police continue their investigation.
Robert Caraballo, Gonzales's stepfather, expressed his horror at the scene, recalling, "When I got there, there was already crime scene tape up and forensics and all kinds of stuff. And 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." His frantic search ended with the grim reality of her death.
Gonzales’s family suspects her ex-boyfriend was to blame for the attack. They claimed cellphone tracking led them to his residence, intensifying their grief over the senseless tragedy. Her mother, Letica Carabello, lamented on a GoFundMe page dedicated to raising funds for her daughter's funeral, writing, "She had such a great future ahead of her. She had a heart of gold. She was my perfect gorgeous Angel baby." This statement highlights not only Gonzales’s promising future but the emotional toll the family now faces.
Her brother, Ruben Torres, remembered her spirit with fondness, saying, "It's unreal, like just the fact ... anyone could bring themselves to harm just such a sweet and loving, funny person." Their hearts are now heavy with loss and the harsh realities of life cut short.
Despite her youth, Gonzales’s achievements were notable. Beyond cheerleading, where she was noted to be particularly passionate—practicing at home and frequently expressing aspirations for team stunts—she had also recently joined her school's wrestling team, winning her first match. The Azusa Unified School District celebrated her as not only talented but extraordinary, deserving of recognition.
Her grief-stricken family is now left to navigate their loss, compounded by the harsh timing—just days before Christmas and on the brink of her 18th birthday on January 7, where she had hoped to celebrate this milestone.
The GoFundMe established by her mother has already raised nearly $17,000, showing the strong community support surrounding this tragedy. "I don’t even have the words to say. I can't even cope. I need her. Our family is devastated," Letica Carabello stated, reflecting the pain of losing a cherished family member far too soon.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with the local police, is investigating the incident. While the suspect has been arrested, details surrounding the motive and circumstances leading to the brutal murder remain under review by the district attorney. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, and authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the incident to reach out.
This hard-hitting loss has raised alarms around issues of teen relationships and the potential for domestic violence, urging families to remain vigilant. Gonzales’s story serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of communication and awareness within families.
With the holidays approaching, the shadows of grief and loss fall heavily on Gonzales's family and friends, as they grapple with memories of her vibrant personality, her artistic accomplishments, and the stark absence her death has left.
