Vazquez had been with her boyfriend at Penn Park in Whittier when she vanished over the weekend, sparking a tragic chain of events.
Gabriel Esparza, 20, was arraigned on Wednesday in a Los Angeles courtroom, where Gabriel Esparza pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, kidnapping, and attempted rape in connection with the death of 19-year-old Andrea Vazquez
According to the Whittier Police Department, Vazquez and her boyfriend were sitting in a car at Penn Park when a man, identified as Gabriel Esparza, approached them and opened fire. While her boyfriend sought safety on the ground, Vazquez mysteriously disappeared. Her family reported that upon the boyfriend’s return to the car, he found blood but no trace of Vazquez. The police later located her lifeless body in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley.
Whittier Officer Thomas Mattsson stated that there was seemingly no prior connection between Gabriel Esparza and Vazquez, suggesting that the attack was a random act of violence. The accused was taken into custody on Monday at his workplace in Lakewood. Gabriel Esparza also faces an additional charge of attempted murder for allegedly firing shots at Vazquez’s boyfriend.
Former LAPD detective Moses Castillo, who has been aiding the Vazquez family, expressed astonishment at the nature of the crime
Andrea Vazquez’s heartbroken family shared memories of her kindness, dedication to her studies, and aspirations to become a designer. The sudden and senseless act of violence has left them in a state of shock and disbelief.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident, especially those who were at Penn Park between 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Sunday, to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear if Gabriel Esparza has legal representation at this time. Further updates on the case are awaited.
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