True Crime with Kendall Rae
High School Cheerleader’s Life Was Stolen: Justice for Angelina Gonzales
Thu, 10 Apr 2025
17-year-old Angelina Gonzales was leaving a cheerleading banquet when she was picked up by someone and brought to their house. That person was 18-year-old Daniel Rodriguez, her ex-boyfriend, who is now accused of stabbing and killing Angelina. When she didn't return home, her location was tracked by family, and pinged at Daniel's house. Her father went to investigate and bring Angelina home, only to find the house taped up and surrounded by police and crime scene investigators. Resources: Instagram: / justiceforangel_ GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-... https://childmind.org/article/how-to-... https://tncoalition.org/wp-content/up... https://www.teendvmonth.org/ https://www.thehotline.org/ National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 866- 331- 9474 https://www.joyfulheartfoundation.org/ -- This episode is sponsored by: Factor - promo code: tckr50off Quince Check out my foundation: Higher Hope Foundation: https://www.higherhope.org/ Watch my documentaries: 530 Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjUWkmOjNLk Apartment 801: https://bit.ly/2RJ9XXr True Crime with Kendall Rae podcast: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3rks84o Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3jC66pr Shop my Merch! https://kendallrae.shop Check out my other podcasts: Mile Higher (True Crime) @milehigherpod YouTube: https://bit.ly/2ROzJcw Instagram: http://instagram.com/milehigherpod The Sesh (Current events, a little true crime, pop culture, and commentary) https://bit.ly/3Mtoz4X @the_seshpodcast Instagram: https://bit.ly/3a9t6Xr *Follow My Social!* @KendallRaeOnyt Instagram: http://instagram.com/kendallraeonyt Facebook: https://bit.ly/3kar4NK True Crime TikTok: https://bit.ly/3VDbc77 Personal TikTok: https://bit.ly/41hmRKg REQUESTS: General case suggestion form: https://zfrmz.com/yg9cuiWjUe2QY3hSC2V0 Form for people directly related/ close to the victim: https://zfrmz.com/HGu2hZso42aHxARt1i67 Join my discord to chat with other viewers about this video, it’s free! https://discord.com/invite/an4stY9BCN C O N T A C T: For Business Inquiries - [email protected] Send me mail: Kendall Rae 8547 E Arapahoe Rd Ste J #233 Greenwood Village, CO 80112
Chapter 1: Who was Angelina Gonzales?
Hello everyone and welcome back to True Crime with Kendall Rae. Thank you so much as always for joining me. I'm so happy to have you here. And if you are new to the show, then welcome. So happy to have you too. And guys, I just got to say right out the gate here that this... episode is going to be really tough to get through.
And that's mainly because I'm going to be telling you about a victim who was only 17 years old and just had so much going for her. I mean, she was kind, smart, athletic, artistic. I mean, you name it. She was a stellar human being. Her name is Angelina Gonzalez, and her life was stolen from her in such a brutal, unnecessary,
and unimaginable way cases like this when the victim is so young are especially heart-wrenching i mean all murders are of course but especially when someone is at the age where they are just getting started in life and have an amazing future ahead of them and that is all just ripped away in an instant and for literally zero reason Now, Angelina's case is still very much developing.
She was murdered just a couple of days before Christmas of 2024. But, you know, normally I will wait a little bit longer to cover a case until there is more information available and we're further along in the process towards justice. But her family has expressed that they're really trying to get her name and her story out there and raise awareness about domestic violence, especially violence.
In younger relationships, they have already done an amazing job at trying to keep her legacy alive. And I just want to further that effort. And like I said, Angelina's case really brings up a lot of conversation around domestic violence. in today's youth, which is something I know is a big topic right now.
I mean, all the time, but I've seen a lot of talk about it recently because of the show Adolescence on Netflix, which is excellent, very scary, but very eye-opening, especially as a parent or to other young people out there as well. So towards the end of the episode, I want to have more of a conversation around that.
And I'm going to be sharing, you know, some information and resources with you all, which I think you can never do enough. And as I always have to say when we're talking about a case that is still active, everyone that I'm speaking about today is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
My audience, all of you, are always so amazing when it comes to showing families in these situations support in so many different ways. And I just off the bat wanted to share their GoFundMe with you. So if you're interested in showing them your support as well, they do have this GoFundMe. It will be linked in the show notes and in the description of this episode.
And I'm also going to be reaching out to them from my foundation to try and offer them a Hope Grant if they are interested. And of course, as always, I completely understand if you can't make a donation right now.
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Chapter 2: What happened on the night of Angelina's murder?
Devastating beyond words, because when Robert drove over to Daniel's house, he actually just pulled up to the crime scene and officers had already swarmed the area and he was told he wasn't allowed to go any closer. Instead, he and Angel's mom were asked to come into the station where they were both told the earth shattering news.
I came home and she wasn't in her bed.
When Angelina's stepfather noticed her phone's location was at her ex-boyfriend's house Friday, he drove there and police tape was up when he arrived.
They wouldn't let me enter the crime scene and I was trying to explain to them that my daughter's there, I'm trying to get my daughter.
He said officers then told him to go to the sheriff's station.
When we got there, they took my wife in to ask for some questions, and basically that's when they told us that she didn't make it and what happened to her.
Police had been called to the scene at 10 p.m. that night after a witness heard screaming, only to run outside and find Angel on the ground bleeding from multiple stab wounds that she had sustained. And her attacker, who was very quickly believed to be Daniel Rodriguez, fled in his car. However, thankfully, they were able to find him and arrest him just the following day.
Now, at first, it was only reported that her killer was an acquaintance, but Angel's family quickly clarified and identified him as her ex-boyfriend, someone who they say they had warned her to stay away from. Now, we don't actually have a lot of explicit details about their relationship, but considering how it ended, I think we can all agree.
Reasonably conclude that it was not a healthy one by any means. And one thing that I've heard her loved ones say is that Angel was such a kind person. She was that type of person who always tried to see the good in people, even people like Daniel.
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Chapter 3: What were the circumstances leading to Angelina's death?
The LA County Sheriff's Department says Gonzalez was stabbed to death Friday around 10 PM on North Soldano Avenue in Azusa by an 18 year old man whom they described as an acquaintance of the victim. He was taken into custody. Her family says her ex boyfriend had picked her up from the event that night.
Police have yet to release every details. They showed us the video of her getting in his car.
One witness says she heard screaming and ran out to see Gonzalez lying face down on the sidewalk and a young man running away.
He ran out with no shirt on, got in his car, backed it up, almost hit the car behind him. I think they just said they were arguing.
Albert Fuentes, her wrestling coach, brought flowers Monday to a small memorial for her on that sidewalk.
She just had her first competition or first her. She competed for the first time and she got her first win. She was so excited and so proud. No parent should bury their child.
Her stepfather, Robert Caraballo, says he tried his best to protect his daughter from that relationship and doesn't want this to happen to anybody else.
I'm doing this because I want. My daughter to be recognized, like her legacy to be recognized and also for other teens that might be going through the same thing.
She was just so loving, like even in people like him, she tried to see the good in people.
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Chapter 4: How did Angelina's family react to her death?
And I'm sure you can tell if you are watching this episode instead of listening to the podcast version of it that I don't even have a photo of Daniel at this point, which is something, you know, I normally like to include. And I'm not sure why one hasn't been released because...
Normally they don't release photos when the perpetrator is a minor still, but Daniel was 18 when this happened, so I have no idea why there's no photos. I couldn't even find a booking photo from his arrest. And of course that doesn't change the circumstances here at all.
I just know people are going to wonder why I've not included a photo of him, and that's just because at this point in time there isn't one available. It is possible that a photo will be released between the day that I'm recording this and the day that it is uploaded, so... If that is the case, I will go ahead and include one.
And I'm assuming that at some point in time, there will be a photo of him out there. And I hope that there is because everyone should be able to see this guy, look at his face, and know what he did. But anyway, Daniel was officially charged with murder on Christmas Eve, December 24th.
And unless he posts his whopping $2.02 million bail, he will continue to sit his sorry ass at the Men's Central Jail in L.A. County. And he faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted. And he's currently pleading not guilty to his charges. And in my opinion, 26 years is not enough. And that's only if he actually gets the 26 years. So we're going to have to see how this plays out.
A court date was scheduled for February 26, 2025, to determine if there was enough information to move forward with a trial against Daniel. And to my knowledge, things are proceeding forward. And I really don't see any reason why they wouldn't. So that same day, her loved ones and supporters gathered outside the Pomona Superior Courthouse to demand accountability for Angel's murder.
And if there's one thing I'm certain of, it's that these efforts are not going to stop until justice is served. And I really do say that with confidence because the rally for justice from this family and their community is something that's been so beautiful to see. And it really started from the very beginning, right after Angel was killed.
That GoFundMe I told you about earlier was started to help raise money to cover the cost of her funeral. and they've since raised over $33,000. Angel has since been laid to rest, with her funeral taking place on January 20th, 2025, where hundreds of people came together to mourn this gut-wrenching loss.
And even though the service already happened, I do want to encourage you guys, if you're able, to still consider supporting their GoFundMe, because the financial toll that violent crime takes on a family is impossible to prepare for. And just focusing on paying for basic needs on top of fighting for justice is something that they shouldn't even have to worry about.
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Chapter 5: What is the current status of the investigation?
possible. So there is a Justice for Angel Instagram account that has been posting updates. So I'm going to go ahead and link that in the show notes in case you are in the area and maybe want to learn more about how you can show up for them. You can also follow the account to get updates on the case and let this family know that you're supporting their efforts to get justice and
I love when you guys do that. I love when I'm able to share a social media page or account and tons of you go and go that extra mile to just show that support because that's another thing I've heard from families I've worked with directly that that is just so huge to feel like they have all these people that they don't even know that are standing behind them. And even just recently when we
covered Barron's case, Barron Lee, he was so, so grateful and thankful to all of you who took the moment to follow him on Instagram and support everything that he is trying to do. And I also thought this was super cool. So Among Angel's many supporters is Senator Susan Rubio of the 22nd State District of California.
The California State Senate adjourned in memory of Angel and Senator Rubio gave a really beautiful and empowering speech. So I want to go ahead and play that for you here.
Today, I rise to adjourn in the memory of Angelina Gonzalez. who tragically passed away last month at the age of 17. Angelina was a bright life in the lives of all who knew her, a passionate cheerleader and student at Azusa High School. She brought energy, joy, and a spirit to all events she attended.
But that joy and that spirit was cut short when she was killed by her boyfriend and her future was robbed. Angelina will never walk down the aisle. She will never grow old. She will never fulfill all her dreams. It is unfortunate that domestic violence continues to rob us of incredible people and torture others.
Of course, there were signs, but as domestic violence goes in our society, bystanders stay silent until it's too late. Recently, Angelina had taken on a new challenge by joining the school's wrestling team, embodying her fearless nature and determination to succeed in everything she set her mind to. Angelina, she had generosity, she was selfless,
She was always the first to lend a hand or offer a kind word, and her radiant smile had always lit up a room. Angelina loved her family, friends, and teammates fearlessly, and her kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met. Beyond her achievements, Angelina's true legacy lies in the love she gave so freely.
She lived her life with a heart full of compassion, a soul full of dreams, and an unwavering dedication to lifting others up. Angelina, your spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew you. And though our time with you is short, your impact will remain eternal. Angelina has reignited my fire, to continue to fight abusers in the fight to keep families safe in domestic violence situations.
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Chapter 6: How can we support Angelina's family?
I played a clip earlier where Robert said that he's speaking out because he wants Angel to be recognized and to help others who might be going through the same thing. And that's why today I wanted to spend the last portion of this episode talking about domestic violence and also provide some resources because it's something that you can really never get enough information about.
Even if you are lucky enough to be in a stable, healthy relationship where you don't feel like you're in danger, it's... So important that we understand that anyone around us, anyone in our lives could be in a situation like this at any time. And I think it's also something that is so important for parents to learn as much as they can about.
Because, you know, my daughter, she's only two and a half, and I am so scared for her future. Just...
in the world that we live in especially after watching adolescence i really do recommend it it's a great show and it sparks so many great conversations so if you're a parent it's i think an excellent watch very hard to watch but very important and i also want to encourage any survivors out there who may be watching if if you're willing to share um to even maybe drop a comment below and
offer any advice or encouragement you have for anyone out there who could be going through a situation like this right now and I know so many of you are I mean I see comments from so many of you who are in situations in relationships where you don't know how to get out or you have recently got out and you're dealing with the aftermath of that and my heart truly goes out to you because it is so common is so horrific and I feel very very thankful that I have never experienced it myself but I
Yeah, it's something that I'm happy I'm seeing more conversation and discussion about it than I used to. But it's something I think needs to be talked about even more because I don't think many people realize just how prevalent it is in our society. I hate that anyone has to experience domestic violence. I hate that any of you in my audience have been exposed.
in an abusive relationship at any point or are right now and to those of you who were in a violent relationship and you were able to get out of it I just want you to know how proud I am of you and also to those who are actively trying to get out of a situation that you know is not good for you not safe for you I'm proud of you for trying to take the steps or even thinking about how to get out.
But I understand that it's not that easy. You know, that's something that I think is a major misconception in society is why don't you just leave? Because it can be very, very difficult to leave for so many different reasons. You know, she was so young. Her parents died. really did everything that they could, as far as I know, to prevent this from happening, and sometimes it is out of our control.
And she did leave him. I mean, we don't know the details of their relationship or what led up to that night, but, you know, I think it's just something that parents need to be even more aware of, and that's why I'm so proud of Angel's parents for trying to spread awareness about the case to potentially... you know, educate other parents and educate other younger people about what could happen.
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Chapter 7: What resources are available for dealing with domestic violence?
Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience dating abuse from their partner. One in three girls also report being the victim of physical, emotional, and or verbal abuse from someone that they've dated. Then there's the statistic that one in 10 high school students say they have been purposefully hit, slapped, or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
And that's just those who have reported it, which I think is so important to remember and is something that is often forgot about when we're talking about statistics because the data is incredibly alarming as it is, but it only represents the reported cases. So those numbers have to be so much higher.
And there are countless reasons why someone wouldn't report their abuse, including the very real fear that they may be killed as a result. And then I think there's also a lot of people who don't report their abuse because they don't recognize that what is happening to them is actually abuse. And in my opinion, I think that's especially true in teenage relationships.
And I know most people recognize that physical abuse is abuse, but that's just one form. There's emotional and psychological abuse, which can include but isn't limited to name-calling, bullying, shaming, intentionally embarrassing, and constant monitoring. There's financial abuse.
Of course, there's sexual abuse, which is when one partner forces their partner to engage in a sexual act against or without their consent. Of course, there's also stalking, which can include one partner following or harassing the other partner in a way that causes them reasonable fear for their safety or well-being. And I'm sure it's no surprise, but social media can also perpetuate that abuse.
And I think that's especially true when it comes to younger people. And that's another thing. really important topic that adolescence really highlights. And this is also definitely an area where I think it might be more difficult for someone who's younger to identify that these behaviors aren't healthy. And I know I also have a lot of younger viewers out there.
So I wanted to share what these behaviors look like. And to clarify, these don't just apply to young people. So it can look like telling you who you can and can't be
friends with on social media, monitoring your social media, also your email and your text messages, stealing or forcing you to give them your passwords or let them see your device, hold your device, look through your device, sending you mean messages either directly or anonymously.
And this is a big one, convincing you to sext or to send pictures of yourself when you don't want to by using threats, coercion, force, or guilt. And I don't want to brush past the guilt because I think that is one of the biggest factors when it comes to this. And we've all experienced... what guilt feels like, right? Like it's one of the most difficult things to overcome and to process.
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