Texas authorities have identified a person of interest in the tragic incident involving the assault and murder of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez. The heart-wrenching discovery was made by her devastated father upon his return home from work.
Officials from Pasadena have named Juan Carlos Garcia Rodriguez, an 18-year-old Guatemalan migrant, as a person wanted for questioning in connection to the shocking crime. Rodriguez, a resident of the same apartment complex as Gonzalez, has reportedly gone missing since the incident.
Having entered the United States through El Paso in January, Rodriguez surrendered to border officers and was granted entry into the country. The Department of Homeland Security sources revealed these details to NewsNation.
Photo Credit: ABC 13/KTRK
Tragically, the young girl was subjected to sexual assault before being tragically strangled, as confirmed by the local medical examiner.
On that fateful day, Maria’s father, Carmelo Gonzalez, called 911 after discovering his daughter’s lifeless body stuffed inside a laundry basket beneath a bed. Despite the efforts of arriving medical professionals, the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation into the incident led detectives to a key found at the crime scene. While the key did not match any of the doors in Maria’s residence, it opened another apartment within the same complex, raising suspicions about Rodriguez’s involvement.
Although police initially questioned Juan Carlos Garcia Rodriguez in connection to the incident, he has not been seen since Monday afternoon.
While Pasadena Police Chief Josh Bruegger refrained from confirming any reports about Rodriguez’s potential departure from the country, authorities have released an image of the suspect. A reward of $5,000 has been offered for any information leading to his arrest.
Maria’s father recounted that he had exchanged texts with his daughter throughout the day of the incident, as she was home alone while he was at work. During one exchange, she mentioned someone knocking on the front door. Responding to her concerns, he advised her not to open the door, as he was on his way to work. Her final message read, “I am in my bed.”
Maria’s parents have been devastated by the loss of their beloved daughter. Ana Elizabeth Xitumul Saput, her mother, who resides in Guatemala with Maria’s younger sister and other relatives, has pleaded for justice in the case. Fighting back tears, she expressed her need for closure and her desire to bring Maria’s remains back to Guatemala for a final farewell.
Source: New York Post
