Teen cheerleader allegedly murdered by ex-boyfriend days before Christmas, family says
Angelina Camillia Gonzales, 17, was found stabbed to death on Friday at her ex's home in Azusa, according to her family
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A suspect is in custody in connection to the brutal murder of a 17-year-old high school cheerleader who was found stabbed to death in California days before Christmas.
The family of Angelina Camillia Gonzales claims the young woman's ex-boyfriend, who has been identified by police as 18-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, is to blame.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says Rodriguez has been booked on suspicion of murder and a special allegation that he used a knife. His bail has been set at more than $2 million.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Gonzales' family told local station KABC that Rodriguez picked her up from a cheerleading banquet and brought her back to his house on Dec. 20.
Investigators are working to determine what led to the murder of 17-year-old Azusa cheerleader Angelina Camillia Gonzales. (GoFundMe)
Around 10 p.m. that night, officers with the Azusa Police Department found Gonzales suffering from stab wounds. She was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, police said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The family claims one of them was able to track Gonzales' cell phone to her ex-boyfriend's house, according to KABC.
"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," Robert Caraballo, Angelina's stepfather, told KABC.
JUDGE DUMBFOUNDED BY ERROR AT SITE OF 'SUICIDE' WHERE TEACHER WAS FOUND STABBED 20 TIMES
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The life of Angelina Camillia Gonzales, 17, was cut short when she was found stabbed to death days before Christmas and just before her 18th birthday. (GoFundMe)
Caraballo said that he told his step-daughter to stay away from her ex-boyfriend numerous times, but he also said that she had a "really big heart and always saw the good in him."
According to a GoFundMe page set up by Gonzales' mother, Letica Carabello, she was about to turn 18 on Jan. 7.
"She had such a great future ahead of her. She had a heart of gold. She was my perfect gorgeous Angel baby," Letica Carabello wrote. "I don't even have the words to say. I can't even cope. I need her. Our family is devastated. We appreciate all the support and love. Thank you all."
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A California family is mourning the death of Angelina Camillia Gonzales, a 17-year-old cheerleader, who was found stabbed to death days before Christmas. (Angelina Gonzales Facebook)
Police had said that Rodriguez is an acquaintance of the victim, but the exact nature of their relationship and a possible motive for the murder have not been released.
Rodriguez' arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office told Fox News Digital.
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Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Azusa Police Department for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Stepheny Price is writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Story tips and ideas can be sent to stepheny.price@fox.com