According to the Pasadena Police Department, a distress call was received at approximately 3:07 p.m. reporting a medical emergency at an apartment complex located at 1004 Main St. The caller informed authorities that his 11-year-old daughter was experiencing difficulty breathing.
Upon the arrival of paramedics, it was reported that the girl had been pronounced dead. Authorities have identified the young girl as 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez.
According to police, during the investigation, it was revealed that Maria had been discovered under a bed by her father, Carmelo Gonzalez, upon his return home from work.
According to police, Maria had been in communication with her father over the phone before he left for work at approximately 10 a.m.
In a development following Gonzalez’s departure, authorities have revealed that he was contacted by Maria, who informed him of a disturbance at the front door.
During a press conference held on Tuesday evening, Pasadena Police Chief Josh Bruegger revealed that the father had contacted relatives residing in the same apartment complex to inquire about Maria’s well-being.
According to the police, following a brief search, the family was unable to locate her. The medical examiner has determined that Maria’s cause of death was asphyxiation resulting from strangulation, along with blunt force head and neck trauma.
In a recent development, it has been revealed through further investigation that she was subjected to a sexual assault in addition to the previously reported incident.
According to police, there was no evidence of forced entry into the home, and as of now, they have not identified any suspects in the case.
According to Bruegger, the father’s alibi has been verified, thus ruling him out as a suspect in the ongoing investigation. Bruegger also mentioned that the father and daughter have been residing in the flat for a duration of three months. According to reports, the mother is currently residing in Guatemala.
In the ongoing investigation, Bruegger has reported that DNA samples have been collected from individuals residing in the complex. However, obtaining cooperation from the individuals has proven to be a challenging task.
Bruegger urged anyone who witnessed an incident at the specified flat on Saturday, shortly after 10 a.m., to step forward and provide any relevant information they may possess.
Authorities are urging individuals who possess any knowledge pertaining to the ongoing homicide investigation to reach out to Detective M. Quintanilla at 713-475-7803 or Detective S. Mata at 713-475-7878.