Arizona Man Allegedly Killed and Decapitated his Mother

Arizona: In a shocking incident in Glendale,  25-year-old Alejandro Gonzalez has been charged with the murder and decapitation of his mother, 49-year-old Teresa De Jesus Cruz Rubio, just hours before her surprise birthday party.

A Horrific Crime Before a Celebration

The Glendale Police Department responded to the gruesome crime on Friday night, after a family member called authorities at around 11:41 p.m. The call came after the victim failed to appear at the family gathering meant to celebrate her birthday.

Officers arrived at the apartment to find the door open and the sound of a running shower. Blood was evident in the area, and the victim’s body was discovered under a blanket, with multiple stab wounds to her abdomen, chest, and arms. Investigators soon found a knife block in the kitchen, with several knives inside—one covered in blood and hair, suggesting an attempt to clean the weapon. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the local community, as well as the family members who found Rubio’s body.

A Troubling History and Ongoing Investigation

Gonzalez, who had recently been released from jail, lived with his mother. Family members told police that Gonzalez suffered from mental health conditions and had a history of violence. When Rubio failed to show up for her birthday celebration, family members became concerned and, after several unsuccessful attempts to reach her, contacted a locksmith to unlock the apartment. The discovery of Rubio’s body left the family devastated. Family members informed detectives that they noticed Rubio’s burgundy GMC Yukon was missing from the home.

Authorities reviewed surveillance footage and traffic cameras, which captured the vehicle in the area between 4:50 and 5 p.m. on the day of the murder. Gonzalez, seen driving the vehicle, never returned to the apartment. Investigators entered the missing vehicle into a stolen car database, and it was later located in a gas station parking lot. Detectives set up surveillance and observed Gonzalez going to and from the vehicle. He was arrested at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, and officers noted blood on his clothing and injuries to his hands and arms. Upon questioning, Gonzalez confessed to stabbing his mother and decapitating her.

Conflicting Claims and Arrest

Gonzalez made a bizarre claim during his interview with police, stating that he had smoked methamphetamine with a man in the neighborhood and that the man had “done something” to his mother. He alleged that this unknown individual had coerced him into stabbing her, stating that the man told him, “She won’t feel anything.” However, authorities found no evidence to support Gonzalez’s claims of another suspect being involved.

Gonzalez has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder and theft of means of transportation. He is currently being held on a $1 million cash bond. The investigation is ongoing, with detectives continuing to examine all evidence related to the case. The brutal nature of the crime has left the local community shaken. Glendale Police are offering mental health resources to employees involved in the case, while the Glendale Family Advocacy Center is assisting Rubio’s grieving family.