Who was Maria Gonzalez? 11-year-old Pasadena girl found raped and murdered at home

In honour of Maria Gonzalez, 11, a vigil featuring Guatemalan customs was organised on Friday night.

Who is Maria Gonzalez?

Maria was killed at the Main Village Apartments. Her father Carmelo Gonzalez, said it was difficult to put into words how he felt. According to the police, her father discovered her dead inside a laundry basket that had been placed under the bed, wrapped in plastic. Investigators claim that while he was at work on Saturday afternoon, she was sexually abused and strangled.

As of now, Juan Carlos-Garcia Rodriquez is a person of interest. He was allegedly a neighbour of Maria Gonzalez and her family, according to the investigators, but it is unknown whether they were acquainted. Detectives spoke with Garcia-Rodriguez and collected his DNA.

Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez, 18, is an illegal immigrant from Guatemala.

He entered the US through El Paso, in January.

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A key was allegedly discovered by investigators inside Maria and her father’s flat. They said that the key and the lock on her door did not match. Police said that the key actually belonged to the flat that Garcia-Rodriguez and her two housemates were residing in.

“The keys to the other two roommates are still there. When he left, they attempted to get the key back from him, but he told them to hold onto it.” According to Pasadena Police Chief Josh Brueggar, he was without a key.

After the tragedy that has shook the neighbourhood, Crimestoppers distributed leaflets at the apartments in the hopes that someone may come forward with information.

“I’ve been carrying a heavy heart. I simply cannot imagine what they are going through.” Community member Lupita Hernandez stated, “I don’t even want to imagine.

Carmelo Gonzalez said he is hoping for justice for his daughter as authorities wait for DNA results to provide additional information about the case.

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Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org, or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls directly to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

Crime Stoppers has created a GoFundMe to help Maria’s family pay for her funeral expenses.