06/15/2026
Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio’s story has left an Arizona community heartbroken.
The 49-year-old Glendale teacher was supposed to be celebrating her birthday with loved ones in October 2024. When she did not show up for the surprise celebration and family members could not reach her, they went to check on her at her apartment. What they found turned a joyful day into a devastating tragedy.
Police said Rubio was found dead inside her home with severe injuries. Investigators later arrested her 25-year-old son, Alejandro David Gonzalez, who had reportedly been released from jail less than 24 hours earlier after serving time in a separate felony case. Authorities also said Rubio had picked him up after his release.
After the incident, Gonzalez allegedly left the scene in a relative’s SUV before officers located and arrested him. Police reported that he had visible injuries and blood on his clothing at the time he was taken into custody. He was later charged with first-degree murder and other offenses as the case moved forward.
What makes this case even more heartbreaking is that Teresa was remembered as a teacher, a mother, and someone her family expected to celebrate — not mourn.
Her loved ones went looking for her because they cared. Instead, they were forced into a nightmare no family should ever experience.
May Teresa be remembered for the life she lived, not just the way it ended.