Arizona Mother Decapitated by Her Son Hours Before Her Surprise Birthday Party, Police Say

The Investigation

A woman’s decapitated body was found inside a Glendale home and her son was arrested in connection to the gruesome death, police said.

An investigation began on Friday, September 27, just before midnight near Bethany Home Road and 43rd Avenue when a family member called to report finding 49-year-old Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio dead.

“The family had prepared a surprise birthday celebration for the victim. Earlier that day at around 3:40 PM, family members contacted the victim, who had agreed to gather with them. When the victim failed to show up to the gathering, the family became concerned and went to her home where they discovered her decapitated body,” Glendale Police said.

The Suspect

Investigators had reason to believe the victim’s son, Alejandro Gonzalez, was involved in his mother’s death.

Gonzalez reportedly was using his mom’s car around 5 p.m. that day. Not long after that, he reportedly used his mom’s phone to call family members.

The car was found by Phoenix Police at 2:40 a.m. on September 28 near 99th Avenue and I-10. Gonzalez was taken to the Glendale Police station for questioning.

“Alejandro admitted to stabbing his mother numerous times using a kitchen knife, followed by decapitating her,” police said.

‘It’s Absolutely Horrific’

Police say it was Cruz Rubio’s sister who was the last to talk to her late that afternoon. She was calling her to confirm what would have been her surprise birthday party.

With the help of a locksmith, the family got into her home and found her dead.

Sgt. Bryan Hoskin of the Glendale Police Department says officers found Cruz Rubio under a blanket with multiple stab wounds on her body.

“The 9-1-1 caller stated a family member was inside the house, was deceased, and that the victim’s head had been cut off,” Sgt. Hoskin said.

The Aftermath

Glendale PD says the victim advocacy center is assisting the family and officers to help process the trauma of such a horrific sight.

“It’s absolutely horrific. It’s horrific to the family who had to endure this, it’s horrific to the officers who had to go and see this,” Sgt. Hoskin said.

The Source

• The Glendale Police Department

Conclusion

The gruesome murder of Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio by her own son has left the community in shock. The Glendale Police Department is working to bring justice to the family and ensure that Alejandro Gonzalez is held accountable for his heinous crime.

FAQs

Q: What was the motive behind the murder?

A: The motive behind the murder is still unclear, but police believe it was a result of a mental health issue.

Q: How did the police find the victim’s body?

A: The police found the victim’s body under a blanket with multiple stab wounds on her body.

Q: What is the current status of the suspect?

A: Alejandro Gonzalez is currently being held in the Maricopa County Jail with a bond set at $1 million, cash only.

Q: What is the Glendale Police Department doing to support the family?

A: The Glendale Police Department is working with the victim advocacy center to provide support to the family and help them process the trauma of the event.