Stella Gonzales, a 13-year-old girl, was tragically killed on September 9, 1988. She was walking with a friend near Tingley Beach in Albuquerque, New Mexico, when she was shot in the head by Paul Apodaca, a serial killer who later confessed to the crime. Stella's death was one of three murders committed by Apodaca during the late 1980s. The other victims were 18-year-old Kaitlyn Arquette and 21-year-old Althea Oakeley.
Apodaca's motive for the killings was his hatred of women, and he targeted his victims seemingly at random.
The case went cold for over 30 years until Apodaca, who was arrested on a probation violation while homeless in July 2021, confessed to the murders. He provided key details about each killing, which led to his indictment for the murder of Stella Gonzales. Apodaca was charged with first-degree murder in all three cases. During his virtual court hearing, Stella's mother expressed her anguish and anger towards Apodaca, highlighting the profound impact her daughter's death had on her life.
Apodaca's confession and subsequent sentencing brought some closure to the families of the victims. Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by these heinous crimes and expressed hope that the families could now move forward. Apodaca was sentenced to 45 years in prison for the murders of Stella Gonzales, Kaitlyn Arquette, and Althea Oakeley. The resolution of these cold cases was a significant moment for the families and the community, as they had been haunted by these crimes for decades.
