The body of a teenage cheerleader, killed just days before Christmas and her 18th birthday, was found by her own family who tracked her down from her phone.
An Azusa family is mourning the death of 17-year-old Angelina Camillia Gonzales, who was stabbed to death on Friday (December 20).
The Californian teen had been at a cheerleading banquet when police officers responded to a 911 call later that night, from the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue at around 10pm.
According to the Azusa Police Department, they found the teen, who was due to celebrate her 18th birthday on January 7, covered in blood and suffering from stab wounds.
She was rushed to a local hospital where she was tragically pronounced dead.
According to KABC-TV, the family managed to trace the girl’s whereabouts after her stepfather, Robert Caraballo, tracked her phone when she failed to come home.
However, it was too late by the time Caraballo arrived at the scene as cops and paramedics had already swarmed the area.
Speaking to the outlet, the grieving stepfather said: “When I got there, there was already crime scene tape up and forensics and all kinds of stuff.
“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.”
Caraballo said he feels ‘broken right now’ and the family have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for her funeral.
Her heartbroken brother, Ruben Torres, described his sister as ‘bubbly’ and ‘happy’ with a ‘fun personality’, who was ‘always cracking jokes’.
He added: “It’s unreal, like just the fact that you know, anyone could bring themselves to harm just such a sweet and loving, funny person.”
The Azusa High School teen loved cheerleading and was constantly practicing her routines.
Set up by Leticia Pimentel Caraballo, the fundraising page reads: “On Friday December 20, 2024 my baby was taken from us. She was only 17 about to have her 18th birthday on January 7th.
“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.”
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised more than $16,500 and the family also plan on raising money by hosting a car wash and bake sale on Saturday at the VFW in Azusa from 9am to 3pm.
Police also have not identified the 18-year-old suspect as they prepare to present a case to the Los Angeles District Attorney.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call ‘Crime Stoppers’ at (800)222-TIPS (8477), or by using lacrimestoppers.org.
UNILAD has contacted the Azusa Police Department for further comment.
