OAN’s James Meyers
2:45 PM – Wednesday, August 23, 2023
A 19-year-old woman who was kidnapped and killed over the weekend at a southern California park had been randomly targeted, according to police.
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20-year-old Gabriel Esparza was arrested on Monday for the shooting and kidnapping of Andrea Vasquez, Whittier Police said on Tuesday.
Family members stated that Vasquez was with her boyfriend at a park in the county of Whittier, when an armed man came up to their vehicle and started shooting at them.
Vasquez’s sister said her boyfriend quickly took off and abandoned her for a short time, however, when he returned, his 19-year-old girlfriend was already gone.
Esparza has now reportedly been booked on murder and kidnapping charges in connection with the shooting and kidnapping.
“It’s a terrible day for me today,” said the victim’s mother. “I had a lot of hope to find her alive, hoping that God gave me the miracle and nothing happened.”
Vasquez’s body was found in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley on Monday night, law enforcement reported.
“I lost my daughter… my angel,” said Enrique Vazquez, the victim’s father. “It’s the saddest day.”
Local police also stated that they discovered a weapon that they believe was used by Esparza.
The case will reportedly be presented on Wednesday at the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office.
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