An unspeakable tragedy struck Glendale, Arizona, as Teresa De Jesus Cruz Rubio, 49, was found decapitated in her home just hours before she was to be the centerpiece of a surprise birthday party arranged by her family. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the Glendale Police were called to the home near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road late Friday night after family members discovered her body under a blanket, showing multiple stab wounds.
The horrific discovery was made by Cruz Rubio's sister, who had tried to quickly confirm plans for the celebration only to respond to a silence that would meet them with anguish. Upon failing to reach Cruz Rubio, the family went to her home, requiring the services of a locksmith to gain entry, where they were confronted with the gruesome scene. One Alejandro Gonzalez, Cruz Rubio's son, has been arrested in connection with the murder. Sgt. Bryan Hoskin of the Glendale Police Department described the murder as "absolutely horrific," not only for the victim's family but also for the responding officers, as per FOX 10 Phoenix.
Gonzalez, 25, was apprehended after police found the victim's car and noted injuries on his hands and arms, as well as blood on his clothing. According to Glendale Police, Gonzalez admitted during questioning to stabbing his mother numerous times with a kitchen knife before decapitating her. He claimed during the investigation that methamphetamines were a factor and also suggested a second suspect might be involved—a claim police found unsubstantiated based on the evidence at the crime site, according to Sgt. Hoskin's statements were obtained by FOX 10 Phoenix.
12 News also disclosed that Gonzalez was freshly released from jail on unrelated charges less than 24 hours before the murder. Court records show he had faced felony criminal damage charges but was sent back to Phoenix Police by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for more evidence. After the murder, Gonzalez purported to have smoked drugs with an unidentified man, allegedly blaming this stranger for initiating the attack on his mother. Gonzalez is now facing charges of first-degree murder and theft.
