Pasadena crime: 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez murdered, person of interest identified

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11-year-old killed, person of interest named

Pasadena police have named a person of interest in the murder case of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez. FOX 26's Matthew Seedorff has more info on the reward being offered in the case.

Authorities now have a person of interest in the death of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez.

RELATED: Vigil for 11-year-old girl killed in Pasadena

All employees of the apartment complex, including the maintenance staff, have fully cooperated with law enforcement's ongoing investigation. Presently, no indications suggest their involvement in the tragic incident.

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A significant lead has emerged during the investigation and authorities have identified 18-year-old Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez as a person of interest in the case. 

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11-year-old girl found strangled to death in Pasadena

Officers quickly responded to a call at 1004 Main Street Pasadena, TX where Acadian Medics were providing medical aid to 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez.

During the processing of the crime scene, investigators discovered a single key within the apartment. This key was subsequently collected as evidence and subjected to scrutiny by crime scene experts. Regrettably, the key did not unlock any doors within the victim's residence.

Pasadena crime: 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez found strangled to death under bed

Further details reveal that the young girl's lifeless body was found in a plastic trash bag concealed within a laundry basket. The basket had been discreetly placed under a bed inside the residence. Collaborating closely with the Institute of Forensic Sciences, investigators are analyzing various pieces of evidence to unravel the circumstances of this heart-wrenching crime.

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Vigil for 11-year-old girl killed in Pasadena

A vigil is been held after a father finds his 11-year-old daughter under the bed sexually assaulted and strangled to death. Pasadena detectives are asking if anyone has information on this case to contact them.

No arrests have been made thus far. 

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The individual in question, Garcia-Rodriguez, was residing within the same apartment complex as the victim; however, he is no longer on the premises.

Law enforcement encourages community members who possess information pertaining to this case to come forward. Crime Stoppers offers an avenue to provide information anonymously, offering a potential reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the identification, charging, and/or arrest of the suspect(s). Tips can be submitted by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), visiting www.crime-stoppers.org online, or utilizing the Crime Stoppers mobile app.