by | Published
On August 12, 2023, at approximately 3:07 pm, Pasadena Police received a distress call from a male individual reporting that his daughter was unresponsive and not breathing.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers found Acadian Medics already rendering medical assistance to the young victim, identified as 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez. Tragically, despite the efforts of emergency responders, Maria was pronounced dead at the scene. The Pasadena Police promptly initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, involving the Violent Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit.
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation have revealed disturbing details about the circumstances leading up to Maria's tragic death. According to detectives, Maria was discovered underneath a bed by her father, Carmelo Gonzalez, after he returned home from work. Carmelo, who had left for work earlier that morning, had maintained contact with Maria throughout the day via cell phone. The final communication he received from his daughter was a message indicating that someone was knocking at the front door.
The subsequent examination carried out by the medical examiner indicated that Maria's cause of death was asphyxiation resulting from strangulation. The investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that the young victim had been sexually assaulted.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information related to this case to come forward and assist in the investigation.
