A Florida man, Angel Gabriel Cuz-Choc, was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Amalia Coc Choc de Pec, and her 4-year-old daughter, Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc, in their mobile home in Dover, Florida. The bodies were found with stab wounds and the scene was described as “gruesome” by Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. Coc Choc was found in the backyard under a tarp, while Estrella was found in a bathtub with the water still running. Detectives discovered evidence indicating that Coc Choc had been carried outside against her will. Surveillance footage showed her yelling in terror as she was taken into the yard. The killings are believed to have occurred around 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday.
Cuz-Choc fled into a strawberry field after the murders, where he attempted to call acquaintances for help but was refused. His brothers told detectives that he confessed to the killings, blaming it on finding out that Coc Choc had been out with a friend for longer than allowed. The victims had only been in the area for less than a year, having migrated from Guatemala. Estrella’s father is reportedly still in Guatemala, according to reports. Cuz-Choc was on the run for 18 hours, with deputies spotting him leaving an abandoned barn before he fled into the brush. Despite attempts to capture him with a police dog, Cuz-Choc managed to evade capture until deputies finally apprehended him.
During his interview with investigators, Cuz-Choc allegedly confessed to the murders. Prosecutors filed a motion for pretrial detention, stating that the victims had been violently stabbed. The heinous nature of the crime shocked detectives initially, who had thought the victims were beaten to death. Evidence at the scene, including blood trails and handprints, indicated a violent struggle and attack. The quick response and thorough investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office led to the apprehension of the suspect within 18 hours of the murders. The community was left in shock and mourning following the tragic deaths of Coc Choc and Estrella.
The brutal nature of the crime and Cuz-Choc’s alleged confession have left the community reeling. The motive behind the murders, a disagreement over the victim’s time away from home, highlights issues of domestic violence and control. The tragic deaths of a woman and her young daughter have sparked discussions about the importance of mental health support and resources for immigrant communities. The authorities’ swift action in tracking down and capturing the suspect has provided some closure to the grieving community. The investigation into the murders is ongoing, as detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic deaths of Coc Choc and Estrella.
