Maria Gonzalez was an 11-year-old girl who was found strangled to death under a bed by her father in the family’s apartment in Pasadena, Texas, according to Pasadena police. According to a Facebook post by Pasadena Police Post, officers were dispatched to 1004 Main in reference to a child not breathing.
Maria Gonzalez Age
By the time of her death, Maria Gonzalez was 11 years old.
Maria Gonzalez Father
Maria Gonzalez father
Carmelo Gonzalez told police he had left for work at about 9:45 a.m., leaving his daughter home alone. A little later, he got a message from his daughter saying there was someone knocking at the front door.
Carmelo Gonzalez said he sent her a message back, telling her not to open the door. She said she wouldn't and that she would stay in her bed. After that, Carmelo Gonzalez never heard from Maria again, said Pasadena Police Chief Josh Brugger.
"I called and called and called," Carmelo Gonzalez said.
Brugger said that at about 1 p.m., Carmelo Gonzalez contacted family members who stayed in the same apartment complex and asked them to check on Maria. Maria's aunt and uncle both went to look for her but said they couldn't find her inside the apartment.
Police said Carmelo Gonzalez got off work and made it home shortly after 3 p.m. That's when he found his daughter's body wrapped in a trash bag and stuffed in a laundry basket that was put underneath her bed. He called 911 and when paramedics arrived on the scene, they provided medical aid to Maria before pronouncing her dead.
Sexual Assault and Death
Maria Gonzalez (11) was murdered while her dad was at work. She was sexually assaulted and strangled to death on Saturday in Pasadena, Texas. The last time he heard from his daughter, she sent him a text saying someone was knocking at the door. When he returned home, he found… pic.twitter.com/LUuDYgPHdX
— Rose (@901Lulu) August 16, 2023
According to police report, Maria Gonzalez was murdered while her dad was at work. According to
Suspects in Maria Gonzalez murder
Police said Carmelo Gonzalez is not considered a suspect in this case because his alibi checks out.
Investigators are combing through physical and digital evidence to find out who's responsible for Maria's death. Police said there was no forced entry into the home and nothing was stolen.
AT 10: “Somebody is knocking on the door. I don’t know I’m here in the room and somebody is knocking,”
Voice message reveals 11-year-old Pasadena Girl’s final words to father before killer attacked. Hear one of the last times Maria Gonzalez heard his daughters voice on @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/Sa5glRVKXF— KPRC 2 Corley Peel (@KPRC2Corley) August 18, 2023
Maria Gonzalez was a quiet girl as described by the father.
Carmelo Gonzalez and Maria had come to the U.S. from Guatemala four years ago and had only been living at the apartment complex for about three months. Police said Maria's mother is in Guatemala and in fact, most of the residents who live in the apartment complex on Main Street are from Guatemala.
Police said they're trying to get all of the neighbors in the apartment complex to cooperate with the investigation.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for tips that lead to the arrest of Maria's killer. To be eligible for a reward, call 713-222-8477. You can also submit tips online or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls directly to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
With the Father of 11 year old Maria Gonzalez who was brutally sexually assaulted and murdered 5 days ago.
Crime Stoppers offering an up to a $5,000 reward for any information leading up to arrest of the suspect responsible for this horrific crime.
All tips are anonymous pic.twitter.com/x0CPFSTblx— Andy Kahan (@akahancrimesto1) August 17, 2023
The family has set up a Go Fund Me page to aid in the funeral expenses.
It reads;
My name is April Aguirre I am a Crime victim advocate. I am creating this go fund me with permission of Carmelo Gonzalez. All funds will go to the Gonzalez family. This family is going through unimaginable pain. Carmelo found his 11-year-old daughter strangled to death under her bed on Saturday August the 12th. Pasadena police have ruled out Carmelo as a suspect. He is grieving and needing help with funeral expenses to return his daughter to Guatemala where her family is. Thousands of families come to the United States to fulfill the American dream, a dream that for Carmelo has turned into a nightmare. If you cannot donate, please pray for this family. This is a horrific crime, Pasadena police is still looking for leads. If you have any information please contact Crime stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. All information is anonymous. Or Pasadena police department [phone redacted]. urgent search underway for the person responsible'
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