True Crime with Kendall Rae: High School Cheerleader’s Life Was Stolen: Justice for Angelina Gonzales

Episode Release Date: April 10, 2025
Podcast: True Crime with Kendall Rae
Hosts/Producers: Mile Higher Media & Audioboom Studios

Kendall Rae delves into the tragic and heartbreaking case of Angelina Gonzalez, a 17-year-old high school cheerleader whose promising life was brutally cut short. This episode not only recounts the harrowing details of Angelina's murder but also explores the broader issues of domestic violence among youth, aiming to raise awareness and honor Angelina's memory.

Angelina Gonzalez: A Vibrant Young Life

Angelina Camila Gonzalez, affectionately known as Angel, was born on January 7, 2007, and lived in Azusa, California, with her mother Leticia, stepfather Robert, and older brother Reuben. Angelina was a multifaceted individual—kind, smart, athletic, and artistic. Her achievements included winning first place at the 31st District Congressional Art Competition in 2024 and the Judge's Choice Award in 2022, leading to her art being displayed at the U.S. Capitol.

Notable Quote:
"Angel was bubbly, funny, always cracking jokes, and that she went into everything she did in life with determination." – Reuben Torres [11:10]

The Tragic Crime and Immediate Aftermath

On December 20, 2024, Angelina attended a cheerleading banquet with her friends. Later that night, she failed to return home, prompting her stepfather Robert to check her location via her phone. He discovered she was at her ex-boyfriend Daniel Rodriguez's house. When Robert arrived, he encountered police at the scene and was subsequently informed that Angelina had been fatally stabbed.

Notable Quotes:
"No parent should bury their child." – Robert Caraballo [12:27]
"I'm trying to explain to them that my daughter's there." – Robert Caraballo [09:33]

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Police were swiftly called to the scene after a witness reported hearing screaming. Angelina was found with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the hospital. Daniel Rodriguez, an 18-year-old acquaintance and Angelina's ex-boyfriend, was apprehended the following day. The motive is believed to be linked to the dissolution of their relationship, though official details remain limited.

Daniel was charged with murder on December 24, 2024. He is currently pleading not guilty and faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted. A court date was set for February 26, 2025, to decide whether the case would proceed to trial.

Notable Quote:
"They were arguing." – Jasmine Beals [12:05]

Community and Family Response

Angelina's death sent shockwaves through her community. Her family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, raising over $33,000. A poignant memorial service on January 20, 2025, saw hundreds of attendees from various walks of life, including classmates, athletes, and even local bikers, demonstrating the widespread impact of Angelina's loss.

Notable Quote:
"She just had her first competition... She was so excited and so proud." – Albert Fuentes [12:19]

Rallying for Justice

Supporters, including Senator Susan Rubio of California's 22nd State District, have publicly honored Angelina, emphasizing the need to combat domestic violence. Senator Rubio addressed the State Senate, highlighting Angelina's vibrant spirit and the societal failure to protect individuals from abusive relationships.

Notable Quote:
"Domestic violence continues to rob us of incredible people and torture others." – Senator Susan Rubio [24:22]

Honoring Angelina's Legacy

Kendall Rae emphasizes the importance of remembering Angelina beyond the tragedy, celebrating her achievements and the love she shared. The community's outpouring of support serves as a testament to Angelina's lasting impact and the collective determination to seek justice.

Notable Quote:
"Angel clearly made such an impact in her 17 years of life and the fact that she is not here today, it's hard to even find the words." – Kendall Rae [26:51]

Domestic Violence Awareness and Prevention

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing domestic violence, especially among teenagers. Kendall highlights alarming statistics, such as one in four women and one in nine men experiencing domestic violence. She underscores the various forms abuse can take—emotional, financial, sexual, and more—and the critical need for education and support systems to prevent such tragedies.

Key Statistics Mentioned:

• 35% of women and 28.5% of men have experienced rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.
• Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience dating abuse.
• 1 in 3 girls report being victims of physical, emotional, or verbal abuse in dating relationships.
• 1 in 10 high school students have been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a partner.

Notable Quote:
"Abuse can look and sound like tons of different things depending on the relationship. It's different from relationship to relationship." – Kendall Rae [32:10]

Resources and Support Systems

Kendall provides listeners with valuable resources, encouraging those in abusive situations to seek help. She shares contact information for the National Domestic Violence Hotline, Teen Dating Abuse Hotline, Crisis Text Line, and the Joyful Heart Foundation. Additionally, she links to articles and PDFs on healthy communication and conflict resolution to aid in prevention and education.

Notable Quote:
"If someone comes to you and tells you what is going on, believe them, try your best to be someone that they can feel comfortable confiding in." – Kendall Rae [32:10]

Conclusion and Call to Action

Kendall Rae wraps up the episode by urging listeners to support Angelina's family through donations, positive comments, and sharing the case to raise awareness. She emphasizes the collective responsibility to recognize and address domestic violence to prevent future tragedies.

Notable Quote:
"Angel's case is a heartbreaking reminder of how an abusive relationship can end and if I can help spread even an ounce of awareness and help one person, then I wanted to take the time to do that today." – Kendall Rae [32:10]

Supporting Angelina's Family

For those looking to support Angelina's family, a GoFundMe link is provided in the show notes. Additionally, Kendall mentions the potential for her foundation, Higher Hope, to offer a HOPE grant to the family, aiming to alleviate some of their financial burdens.

Notable Quote:
"Robert and Angel's mom have expressed that they're really trying to get her name and her story out there and raise awareness about domestic violence, especially in younger relationships." – Kendall Rae [01:12]

Community Outpouring of Support

The community's response to Angelina's death was overwhelming. A car wash and bake sale event saw long lines and hundreds of attendees, all coming together to support the grieving family. Kendall highlights how such communal support can provide a glimmer of hope and strength to those profoundly affected by loss.

Notable Quote:
"An outpouring of love Today in Azusa after a brutal crime, the community comes out in force to support the family of a teenager allegedly killed by her ex boyfriend." – Laura Diaz [20:39]

Final Thoughts

Kendall Rae concludes the episode by expressing gratitude to her listeners for engaging with such a sensitive and important topic. She reiterates the necessity of ongoing conversations about domestic violence and the importance of community support in healing and prevention.

Notable Quote:
"If anyone in Angel's family or her friends sees this episode, I want you to know my heart is so broken for you." – Kendall Rae [31:34]

Resources Mentioned:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Teen Dating Abuse Hotline
• Crisis Text Line
• Joyful Heart Foundation
• Child Mind Institute: How to Help Kids Deal with Rejection
• Higher Hope Foundation

Listeners are encouraged to save these resources and share them to aid those in need. Supporting organizations like the Joyful Heart Foundation and saving contact information for hotlines can make a significant difference in preventing and addressing domestic violence.