A beloved California cheerleader was stabbed to death after meeting the ex-boyfriend she had been warned to stay away from.
Angelina Camillia Gonzales, 17, was killed Friday at her ex-husband’s home in Azusa, Azusa police said.
The suspect, an unidentified 18-year-old, picked up Gonzales – “a dedicated member” of the Azusa High School cheerleading squad – after a cheerleading banquet that evening.
A concerned relative quickly traced her cell phone to his home, but when her stepfather Robert Caraballo arrived, it was too late.
“When I got there, there were already crime scene tapes, forensics and all kinds of other things,” Caraballo said. KABC.
“And I ran up to the officers and said, ‘Hey, my daughter’s in there. You know, my daughter’s in there. I’m trying to find her. She’s not home.’ And then they said to me, “Sit to the side for a minute,” he recalled.
Officers responded to the home on the 300 block of North Soldano Avenue around 10 p.m., where they found Gonzales suffering from multiple stab wounds.
She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the department said. Her ex-boyfriend was arrested shortly after the fatal stabbing.
Angelina Camillia Gonzales, 17, was tragically murdered Friday at her ex’s home in Azusa, California
Authorities found the teen at the scene with multiple stab wounds. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she later died
Her heartbroken stepfather said he warned Gonzales to stay away from her ex-boyfriend, but that she had a big heart that would often find the good in others.
Her brother, Ruben Torress, has remembered his sister as someone who was “always a bubbly, cheerful, funny personality.” Always making jokes.
“It’s surreal, as is the fact that anyone could bring themselves to harm such a sweet, loving, funny person,” Torress added.
In addition to being a cheerleader for her high school, Gonzales had just joined the wrestling team and won her very first match.
Although she enjoyed both sports, her stepfather said cheerleading was her greatest passion.
‘She was practicing at home and wanted to be on another stunt team. And that was like her heart was cheering for a long time,” Caraballo told the outlet.
Her unknown ex-boyfriend allegedly picked Gonzales up from a cheerleading banquet that evening
She was also very successful academically, as the Azusa Unified School District named her an “extraordinary artist” who won first place at the Congressional Art Competition in June.
Gonzales also received the Judge’s Choice Award in 2022. Her artwork is currently on display in the American capital, the district announced in an Instagram post.
“Her creative talents and vibrant personality have enriched our community in countless ways,” the district added.
The talented teen was counting down the days until her 18th birthday on January 7, her family revealed.
‘She was looking forward to that. She’s great. I’m devastated right now, I’m not going to lie to you because the little bit of time I had with her, I can’t even do it,” Carballo said as he choked up.
The late cheerleader’s mother, Letica Pimentel Caraballo, created one GoFundMe page in honor of Gonzales.
‘On Friday, December 20, 2024, my child was taken from us. “She was only 17 and about to celebrate her 18th birthday on January 7,” she wrote.
In addition to being a cheerleader for her high school, Gonzales had just joined the wrestling team and won her very first match.
‘She had such a big future ahead of her. She had a heart of gold. She was my perfect, beautiful Angel baby. I don’t even have the words to say. I can’t even handle it. I need her. Our family is devastated. We appreciate all the support and love. Thank you all.’
More than $7,500 was raised in Gonzales’ memory Monday morning.
Her family is also hosting a car wash in the teen’s honor on Saturday at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8070 in Azusa from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Always let your family, everyone you know, know that you love them. Let them know you’re proud of them,” her brother said.
The 18-year-old – described as an “acquaintance” of Gonzales – is currently in custody. The case will be referred to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating and has asked the public to contact the department if they have any information regarding the incident.
DailyMail.com contacted the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office for comment.