Bloody footprints lead from the front door of a home in El Monte, California, near Los Angeles, after a woman allegedly stabbed and decapitated her mother. Kimberly M. Gonzalez, 25, is charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the death of her mother, Jacqueline Perez. (KABC/YouTube)
A California woman reportedly stabbed her mother repeatedly and slit her throat, causing her head to become detached from her body at their home near Los Angeles.
Police in El Monte responded to a home for a stabbing around 5 p.m. Sunday in El Monte, according to the LA Sheriff’s Office which is investigating the case. When officers arrived, they found a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene.
An El Monte police sergeant saw the victim’s daughter, 25-year-old Kimberly Monique Gonzalez, outside of the home covered in blood and took her into custody shortly thereafter, authorities said. Investigators later recovered what could be the alleged murder weapon, but would not elaborate.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Tuesday that Gonzalez is charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in the death of her mother, Jacqueline Perez.
“My heart goes out to the family and loved ones who have been shattered by this unimaginable tragedy. The pain and grief they must be experiencing is unimaginable.” Gascón said in a statement. “This was an extraordinarily violent act which has had a profound impact on our community. We are fully committed to seeking justice on behalf of the victim and our dedicated team will work tirelessly to bring clarity and closure to this heartbreaking case.”
Cameras from local ABC affiliate KABC’s news helicopter captured detectives removing the victim’s head from a trash can.
Neighbors and family members described the gruesome scene where the alleged decapitation took place. There was a trail of bloody footprints on the driveway coming from the home’s front door near decorations from a recent child’s birthday party.
“There’s blood on that side, there’s blood on the floor,” neighbor Hector Manzo told the outlet.
The victim’s brother Julio Lopez who lives nearby told the TV station he heard his 11-year-old nephew scream, and come out of the house wearing a blood-soaked shirt. He said he was not sure what happened.
“Maybe they argued,” he said. “To tell you the truth, I don’t know.”
Neighbors told KABC that Gonzalez struggled with drug addiction for a long time.
Gonzalez is currently held on a $2 million bail in the Los Angeles County Jail and faces a life prison sentence if convicted.
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