A woman’s chopped-off body was discovered inside a Glendale house, and her son was detained in connection with the heinous death, according to authorities. An investigation began on Friday, Sept. 27, just before midnight, at Bethany Home Road and 43rd Avenue, when a family member called to report the death of Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio, 49.
“The victim’s relatives planned a surprise birthday party for him. Earlier that day, at about 3:40 PM, family members phoned the victim, who had agreed to join them. When the victim did not show up for the celebration, her family got concerned and rushed to her home, where they discovered her decapitated body,” Glendale Police stated.
Investigators found cause to suspect the victim’s son, Alejandro Gonzalez, was involved in his mother’s death.
Gonzalez was reportedly driving his mother’s vehicle around 5 p.m. that day. Soon after, he allegedly used his mother’s phone to call family members.
Phoenix Police discovered the vehicle at 2:40 a.m. on September 28 near 99th Avenue and I-10. Gonzalez was transported to the Glendale Police Department for questioning.
“Alejandro admitted to stabbing his mother numerous times using a kitchen knife, followed by decapitating her,” the police reported.
He was arrested in Maricopa County Jail and charged with first-degree murder. His bond is for $1 million, payable in cash only.
The family informed the cops. Gonzalez had recently been released from jail and was now living with his mother. According to court documents, his relatives stated that he had mental illnesses and was capable of killing her.
Cruz Rubio was a popular instructor at Southwest Key Programs.
According to police, Cruz Rubio’s sister was the last to speak with her late that day. She was calling to confirm what would have been her surprise birthday celebration.
The family gained entry into her home and discovered her body with the assistance of a locksmith.
According to Glendale Police Department Sgt. Bryan Hoskin, authorities discovered Cruz Rubio under a blanket with multiple stab wounds to her body.
“The 9-1-1 caller stated a family member was inside the house, was deceased, and that the victim’s head had been cut off,” says Sergeant Hoskin.
Officers discovered the shower was still running and a bloodied kitchen knife in the sink.
Her sister informed investigators that the burgundy GMC Yukon she had given Cruz Rubio to use had gone stolen. FOX 10 got a video of an SUV departing the residence in the late afternoon, taken by a neighbor’s Ring video.
When authorities discovered the SUV and Gonzalez, they observed bruises on his hands and arms, as well as blood on his clothes.
“During the investigation and interview, Alejandro also mentioned consuming methamphetamines. Alejandro said there was another suspect involved, but investigators said no further evidence pointed to this while they were walking through the scene with all of the other evidence collected,” Sgt. Hoskin stated.
According to the Glendale Police Department, the victim advocate center is aiding the family and police in dealing with the shock of such a dreadful sight.
“It’s horrible. It’s awful for the family who had to go through this, and it’s terrifying for the cops who had to witness it,” Sgt. Hoskin said.