On Monday, August 21, in Moreno Valley, California law enforcement discovered the body of a young woman who had gone missing after an alleged abduction in Whittier, California.
Earlier the same day, authorities apprehended 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza from Whittier in relation to the abduction and murder of Andrea Vazquez, 19.
The abduction reportedly took place at Penn Park on Sunday evening, where Vazquez and her boyfriend were confronted by an armed individual. While her boyfriend was able to escape the immediate threat, Vazquez was nowhere to be found upon his return to the scene.
Following an intensive search, officers located her body in a vegetative field and recovered a firearm believed to be involved in the incident.
Esparza, now facing several charges including murder, kidnapping with intent to commit rape, and attempted murder, has pleaded not guilty in court.
In memory of Vazquez, the community organized a vigil and a GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support her family.