The son of a Los Angeles County fire commander has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and murdering a woman shot and abducted from a park in California.
Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been accused with multiple felonies, including murder, abduction, and attempted rape, against Andrea Vazquez, 19.Wednesday afternoon, Esparza entered a not-guilty plea during his first court appearance for the savage murder.
A criminal complaint submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court reveals that prosecutors have formally filed seven charges against the suspect. These also include two counts of attempted forcible rape, attempted murder, kidnapping with the intent to conduct another offense, and assault with the intent to commit a felony.
Vazquez was abducted at random while in a vehicle with her boyfriend in a Los Angeles park over the weekend. An armed individual approached Vazquez and her companion as they sat in their parked vehicle in Penn Park and opened fire.
The boyfriend of Vazquez fled the scene, and when he returned, he "discovered blood" nearby, but Vazquez was gone.According to officials, her body was discovered late Monday evening, and the victim's family was notified Tuesday morning.
"This is not the outcome they desired, but they are aware that the Whittier Police Department worked around the clock," said Moses Castillo, a family advocate and former LAPD detective. After sitting in a parked car in Penn Park in Whittier with her companion, the victim was shot and abducted.
A weapon believed to have been used in the crime, as well as Esparza's 2013 white Toyota Tacoma, was recovered, according to the police.
Authorities said Vazquez and her partner were "randomly targeted" by the suspect in Penn Park. According to Officer Thomas Mattsson of the Whittier Police Department, there appears to be no connection between the alleged gunman and the victim.vThe incident occurred in the Penn Park parking lot shortly after midnight on Sunday, as per Daily Mail.
Community Mourns Over Andrea Vazquez's Tragic Passing
The community rallied together, demonstrating their solidarity in the face of this heart-wrenching event. Just days after Andrea's disappearance, law enforcement made a breakthrough in the case by apprehending Gabriel Esparza.
Without incident, Esparza was arrested at his place of work in Lakewood. The swift capture brought a sense of relief to a community in turmoil. He was subsequently charged with several grave offenses, including murder, kidnapping, and attempted rape, among others.
The recovery of the weapon believed to have been used in the crime and Esparza's vehicle further solidified the case against him. Andrea Vazquez's tragic passing has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.
Described as an angel by her loved ones, Andrea's warm smile and vibrant personality will forever be cherished. A student at Fullerton College, she was not only pursuing her passion for fashion design but also working at a mall in Cerritos.
As the legal proceedings begin, Gabriel Esparza's plea of not guilty serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that lie ahead. The charges brought against him paint a chilling picture of the violence and terror inflicted upon Andrea Vazquez and the anguish suffered by her loved ones.
The pursuit of justice will undoubtedly be a long and arduous journey, as the legal system seeks to provide closure and accountability for this heinous act, Newsweek via MSN reported.
