Authorities in Glendale have arrested a 25-year-old man accused of the brutal murder and decapitation of his mother late last week. The Glendale Police Department announced Monday that Alejandro Gonzalez was taken into custody and charged with first-degree premeditated murder and theft of means of transportation in connection with the death of his mother, 49-year-old Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio.
Officers were dispatched to an apartment near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road around 11:40 p.m. on Friday after family members, concerned that Rubio had not shown up for a surprise birthday party, went to her home and discovered her body. According to police reports, Rubio’s head was found next to her body, which had multiple stab wounds and was partially covered by a blanket.
Inside the apartment, investigators found further evidence of the gruesome crime, including a knife with blood and hair in the kitchen sink, and the shower running at the time officers arrived. Rubio’s family had reported her missing after she failed to respond to phone calls and did not attend her birthday celebration. Police said her family gained access to the apartment and made the tragic discovery.
Gonzalez, who had recently been released from prison, was arrested by Phoenix Police early Saturday morning after being located in a vehicle reported missing from the crime scene. In a police interview, Gonzalez reportedly admitted to stabbing and decapitating his mother, although he claimed another suspect was involved. Detectives, however, believe Gonzalez acted alone.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to piece together the events leading up to the murder. Gonzalez has been charged with first-degree murder and theft, and authorities are working to determine whether additional charges will be filed as more details come to light.
