WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA: A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist in covering unforeseen expenses following the tragic murder of Andrea Vazquez.
The family members of the California teenager, who was tragically found dead after going missing, have managed to raise over $26,000, nearing their $30,000 target as of Wednesday, August 22.
Fundraiser about Andrea Vazquez
"I am asking all our friends and family to help my family with the tragic loss of our beautiful Andrea. We appreciate all the love, prayer, and support during this time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!" stated the description of the fundraiser.
Officials from the Whittier Police Department confirmed that the remains of 19-year-old Vazquez were discovered in a vegetation field in Moreno Valley. She had been abducted on August 20 while in a vehicle with her boyfriend.
Enrique Vazquez, her grief-stricken father, shared his heartbreak with reporters, saying, "I lost my daughter ... my angel. It's the saddest day."
Moses Castillo, a former LAPD detective advocating for the family, also expressed their sentiments. "This is not the outcome they wanted, but they do realize Whittier Police worked around the clock," he said. "Their pain and grief is beyond description."
Andrea Vazquez was abducted at gunpoint
In the early hours of August 20, Vazquez and her boyfriend were in the parking area of Penn Park when an armed individual approached their vehicle and opened fire, as per police reports. While her boyfriend sought refuge, it's believed Vazquez was shot.
Upon his return, he found Vazquez missing along with the assailant, leaving only traces of blood on the ground.
According to authorities, Vazquez appears to have had no connection to the attacker and was targeted at random. She was a fashion student at Fullerton College, and her sister Edlyn, 33, described their close bond.
"She knows everything about me, and I know everything about her," Edlyn told the Los Angeles Times. "I know for a fact she has no trouble."
Following the discovery of her body, 20-year-old Gabriel Sean Esparza was apprehended at his workplace in Lakewood. Law enforcement also recovered a suspected weapon used in the crime, in addition to Vazquez's 2013 White Toyota Tacoma truck.
Esparza now faces charges of murder and kidnapping, and he is currently in custody without bail. The case is scheduled to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office today, while the ongoing investigation continues.
