Kendra Gonzales, a 33-year-old mother from Sacramento, was tragically shot and killed on April 7, 2015, in San Jose, California. The incident occurred while she was sitting in the driver's seat of a parked vehicle on South Bascom Avenue. Gonzales had rented a car and traveled from Sacramento to San Jose with her boyfriend, Andrew Butler, and two of her three children for a shopping trip. The situation escalated when an argument between Gonzales and Butler turned violent.
Butler, who was sitting in the passenger seat, pulled out a gun and shot Gonzales in the chest. Her body was then pulled from the car and left in the street, with her two children standing over her.
The aftermath of the shooting was devastating for Gonzales' family. Her father, Kenneth Knight, expressed his disbelief and sorrow, highlighting the profound impact of losing a loved one in such a violent manner. Family members revealed that Gonzales had been trying to leave Butler, who had a history of confrontations with her. Despite his quiet demeanor, Butler's actions on that fateful night revealed a darker side. Gonzales' sister, Nicole Singleton, expressed relief that Butler was apprehended, allowing the family some measure of justice and peace.
Andrew Butler was arrested by Monterey police five days after the shooting and was later booked into Santa Clara County jail on murder charges. During his arraignment, Butler, clad in a red jail jumpsuit, remained silent, only nodding to his court-appointed attorney. Prosecutors added a firearm enhancement to the murder charge, emphasizing the severity of the crime. Deputy District Attorney Duffy Magilligan described the case as a horrific example of domestic violence, underscoring the importance of taking such cases seriously.
The investigation revealed that Gonzales' teenage daughter and infant son were in the backseat of the car during the shooting. The teenage daughter recounted the harrowing moments leading up to her mother's death, including Gonzales' final words, "You really just shot me?" The rental car was later found abandoned in Salinas, about 60 miles away from the crime scene. Butler, who had ties to both Sacramento and Monterey County, was considered armed and dangerous until his arrest.
The case of Kendra Gonzales' murder highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the lasting impact on the victims' families. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and support for those in abusive relationships. The legal proceedings against Andrew Butler continue to unfold, with the hope that justice will be served for Kendra Gonzales and her grieving family.
