Warning: Graphic content, readers' discretion advised
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: A California woman repeatedly stabbed her mother to death, then slit her throat, which caused her head to become detached from her body at their home near Los Angeles.
The LA Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the case, responded to a home for a stabbing around 5 pm on Sunday, October 22, in El Monte.
When the authorities arrived at the scene, they discovered a victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Paramedics declared her dead at the scene.
Where did the authorities find the victim's daughter?
An El Monte police sergeant reportedly found the victim’s daughter, 25-year-old Kimberly Monique Gonzalez, outside of the home, drenched in blood, and took her into custody shortly after that, authorities said.
What charges does Gonzalez face?
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon announced Tuesday that Gonzalez is charged with murder and assault with a deadly weapon in her mother's death, 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.” Gascon 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.”
According to ABC affiliate KABC, local cameras captured detectives removing the victim’s head from a trash can.
Neighbors describe the harrowing crime scene
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 outlet that 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.”
According to the outlet, neighbors said 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.
