Authorities have publicly identified the 18-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing Azusa High School student Angelina Gonzales.
Gonzales, 17, was killed Friday evening in the 300 block of North Solano Avenue. On Tuesday, officials identified her alleged killer as fellow Azusa resident Daniel Rodriguez, 18, whom authorities have described as an acquaintance of Gonzales.
The exact nature of their relationship and a possible motive have not been released.
He is charged with murder and a special allegation that he used a knife. He is being held at Men’s Central Jail in lieu of $2.02 million bail.
In a statement announcing charges, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his “office’s Family Violence Division will work to bring the offender to justice for the victim and her family.”
“I want to express my deepest condolences to Angelina Gonzales’s loved ones as they navigate this senseless act of violence and unimaginable grief, especially during this holiday season,” Hochman said.
Rodriguez’s arraignment was continued until Jan. 8. If convicted of all charges, he faces 25 years to life in state prison plus another year.
School officials have said Gonzales was a cheerleader, wrestler and award-winning artist whose work has been displayed in the U.S. Capitol.
“Her creative talents and vibrant personality enriched our community in countless ways,” the district said in a statement.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
