Cold Case Files: REOPENED – "Friend of the Family"
Host: Paula Barros
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Produced by: A&E / PodcastOne
Introduction to Angela Wong's Tragic Story
In the December 19, 2024 episode of Cold Case Files, host Paula Barros delves into the heartbreaking and perplexing case of Angela Wong, an 11-year-old girl whose murder in 1984 remained unsolved for decades. Angela's death in Long Island became a symbol of the countless unsolved cases that plague America's justice system, highlighting the challenges investigators face in bringing closure to such families.
The Day Angela Disappeared
The episode begins by setting the scene on a typical day in 1984, where Angela Wong and her older brother, Angelo Wong Jr., were avid breakdancers in Long Island.
Angelo Wong Jr. [00:19]:
"We lived it and breathed it morning, noon, and night. I probably thought about it and practiced it more than I did my schoolwork at that time."
Angela accompanied her brother and friends to practice for a local breakdancing competition. After practice, Angela decided to walk to the local mall, a journey she never completed. Her disappearance raised immediate alarm among her family and community.
Angelo Wong Jr. [01:10]:
"And then when we got home and my mother started making phone calls and we were looking around the neighborhood... concern really set in."
Discovery of Angela's Body
Despite extensive searches by police and Angela's family, her body was not found until the next morning.
Officer Linda Curtis [02:09]:
"It was a mannequin."
Officer Curtis initially mistook Angela's body for a mannequin, a moment that underscores the grim reality of discovering such tragedies. The autopsy revealed that Angela died from a homicidal drowning, a particularly challenging type of homicide to prove in court.
Medical Examiner Leslie Lucas [03:03]:
"She was beaten about the face by blunt force, probably by a fist. And she sustained these myriad of contusions and abrasions."
Initial Investigation and Suspect: Manny Pacheco
Detective Jack Sharkey led the investigation, focusing on constructing a timeline of Angela's last day. Interviews pointed towards Angela's circle of friends, particularly a 15-year-old named Manny Pacheco, who was the only teen unable to account for his whereabouts at the time of the murder.
Leslie Lucas [07:31]:
"We zeroed in on that breakdancing team and also the five youths who really hung out in the Angel Wong household."
Manny's inconsistent alibi and suspicious behavior made him the prime suspect. However, without concrete evidence, the case quickly went cold.
Reopening the Case: New Eyes and New Evidence
Six years later, Detective Michael Kuhn took a renewed interest in Angela's case. His investigation led him back to Manny Pacheco, who had moved to California and accumulated a history of abusive behavior.
Detective Michael Kuhn [13:37]:
"And I found out that he had two orders of protection against them out in California... he also been accused of abusing his own nine-year-old daughter."
Kuhn's background check revealed alarming parallels between Manny's past and the nature of Angela's murder, reigniting the pursuit of justice for Angela.
Breakthrough Witness Testimonies
Detectors Mike Burcham and Eric Mosher provided crucial information linking Manny to Angela's murder through additional witness statements.
Maureen Gegen [17:40]:
"He had come to me completely in hysterics and he said that his friend's sister had been killed... he wasn't there for her when she needed him."
Raluca [19:19]:
"This time he was using Angela in a threatening way... You killed my cousin, what makes you think I won't kill you?"
These emotional testimonies painted a damning portrait of Manny, leading to his arrest and subsequent confession.
Legal Proceedings and Conviction
Prosecutor Bob Hayden had the challenging task of presenting a case built primarily on eyewitness testimony and confessions from Manny's ex-partners.
Officer Linda Curtis [21:17]:
"Manny never set out to rape Angela. He believed that he was going to have consensual sex with Angela... he did lose control of himself... he chose to take her alive rather than expose himself to punishment."
After seven hours of deliberation, Manny Pacheco was found guilty of Angela Wong's murder and sentenced to nine years to life. Angela's family, while hoping for a more substantial sentence, found solace in securing her justice.
Angelo Wong Jr. [22:28]:
"I think he got a maximum sentence which if that's the best we're gonna get, we got it."
A Twist of Fate and Healing
In a remarkable turn of events, Manny Pacheco's son, Manny Pacheco Jr., was raised by Angela's brother, Angelo Wong Jr., fostering a complex yet healing relationship between the families.
Angelo Wong Jr. [22:40]:
"There is a detective out there. There is evidence out there... to remind them that we're still here without our loved ones."
This act of compassion highlights the enduring human spirit and the possibility of forgiveness, even in the face of unspeakable loss.
Conclusion: The Importance of Persistence in Justice
The "Friend of the Family" episode underscores the critical role of relentless investigation and the impact of new forensic technologies in solving cold cases. Angela Wong's story is a testament to the resilience of her family and the dedication of investigators who refuse to let such tragedies remain unsolved.
Produced by:
Brooke Giddings, McKamey Lynn, Steve Delamater
Associate Producer: Julie McGruder
Executive Producer: Ted Butler
Music by Blake Maples
Distribution: Podcast One
Additional Resources: For more information on Cold Case Files, visit aetv.com or explore the AE Real Crime blog at aetv.com/realcrime.
Note: The episode also included advertisements which have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core content.