Overview
- On July 10 a fight near Potrero School in the 9700 block of Fern Street in El Monte ended in a triple stabbing that left 15-year-old Aziel “AZ” Zacapala dead and two others hospitalized.
- Investigators identified 18-year-old Jonathan Castelan of South El Monte as a suspect and took him into custody on July 20, booking him at the Industry Sheriff’s Station.
- The case was reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Castelan was charged with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.
- Family and friends remembered Zacapala as a Rosemead High School student and athlete whose death has prompted local mourning and a GoFundMe for the family.
- The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and El Monte police say the probe is active and ask anyone with information to call (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.