Angel Gabriel Cuz-Choc, a 31-year-old man from Florida, was arrested by authorities on Thursday for the murder of his girlfriend, Amalia Coc Choc de Pec, and her 4-year-old daughter, Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc. The bodies of the victims were discovered at their mobile home in Dover, Florida, with both having been violently stabbed. The crime scene was described as “gruesome” by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister, who initially believed the victims had been beaten to death. Prosecutors stated in a motion for pretrial detention that Coc Choc was found under a tarp in the backyard, while Estrella was discovered in a bathtub with running water.
Cuz-Choc was apprehended by officers after fleeing into a strawberry field and attempting to call for help from people he knew, who refused to get involved. The suspect’s brothers revealed to detectives that he confessed to the killings, blaming his actions on discovering that Coc Choc had been out with a friend for longer than permitted. It was reported that Cuz-Choc, the woman, and her child had recently come to the area from Guatemala. The 18-hour search for Cuz-Choc involved deputies using police dogs to track him down, with the suspect eventually being captured after a struggle that led to a police dog latching onto his jacket.
During his interview with investigators, Cuz-Choc allegedly admitted to the murders. Surveillance footage showed Coc Choc being carried outside against her will, with neighbors reporting hearing her scream around the time the killings were believed to have occurred. The victims’ bodies were found by a roommate who arrived home and made the gruesome discovery, prompting a call to 911. Detectives determined that Estrella’s father is in Guatemala, leaving her mother as the primary caregiver for the young child. Cuz-Choc’s attempt to evade capture and eventual confession shed light on the tragic events that led to the deaths of Amalia Coc Choc de Pec and Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the case to gather more information and evidence surrounding the murders. The shocking and violent nature of the crimes has left the local community reeling, as details of the incident continue to emerge. The swift apprehension of Cuz-Choc was a result of coordinated efforts by law enforcement officers, who worked tirelessly to track down the suspect. The motive for the killings, which was attributed to Cuz-Choc’s anger over the amount of time his girlfriend spent with a friend, highlights the escalating danger that can arise from domestic disputes. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases where individuals display concerning behavior towards their partners or family members.
The impact of this horrific crime extends beyond the immediate family and community, as the loss of two lives has left a lasting impression on all those involved. The search for justice and closure for the victims’ loved ones will continue as the legal proceedings unfold. The investigation into the circumstances leading up to the murders will shed light on the events that transpired and provide answers to questions surrounding the tragedy. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors will be crucial in ensuring that Cuz-Choc is held accountable for his alleged actions. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the need for vigilance and support for those at risk of harm.
