EL MONTE, CA – An 18-year-old South El Monte man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old Rosemead High School football player, authorities said.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department identified the suspect as Jonathan Castelan, 18, of South El Monte.
The stabbing occurred on July 10 in the 9700 block of Fern Street, near Potrero Elementary School, after deputies were called to the area around 1 p.m. Investigators said three people were stabbed during an altercation.
The victim, identified as 15-year-old Aziel Zacapala, was taken to a hospital along with two unidentified friends who also suffered stab wounds. Zacapala later died from his injuries, authorities said.
The suspect fled before deputies arrived at the scene, according to investigators.
Information gathered by Street People indicates detectives spent nearly two weeks investigating the case before arresting Castelan on July 20. Two days later, on July 22, he was charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.
Authorities have not released details about what led to the altercation, how the suspect and victims may have known each other, or the conditions of the two surviving victims.
Zacapala, known as “AZ” by friends and classmates, was a football player at Rosemead High School and was preparing to begin his sophomore year. His family said he dreamed of becoming a professional football player and was excited to join the varsity team.
“He was just a really good kid overall,” his mother, Maria Aguilar, told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. “He had a lot of dreams.”
A GoFundMe page created for Zacapala’s family described him as a “beloved nephew, friend, son and high school football player whose life was tragically cut short,” adding that his dedication to football and positive spirit inspired those around him.
The El Monte Union High School District also released a statement mourning the teen’s death.
“With heavy hearts, El Monte Union mourns the passing of Rosemead High School rising sophomore Aziel Zacapala,” the district said. “Our deepest condolences are with Aziel’s family, friends, classmates, teammates, and the entire Rosemead High School community as we navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online through Crime Stoppers.
