A 25-year-old Arizona man faces first-degree murder charges after allegedly killing and decapitating his mother at her Glendale home, just hours before her surprise birthday party.

Alejandro David Gonzalez was arrested on September 28, 2024, in connection with the death of his mother, Teresa De Jesus Cruz Rubio, 49. The incident occurred at Rubio’s apartment on Keim Drive, near 43rd Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Glendale, Arizona.

According to court documents, officers responded to the apartment shortly before midnight on September 27 after a 911 caller reported finding her sister dead. Upon arrival, police found Rubio’s body under a blanket near the front door. Her head was located nearby, and she had numerous stab wounds to her abdomen, chest, and arms.

Investigators noted blood throughout the apartment, including on a knife block in the kitchen sink and in the shower, which had been left running. Family members told police that Rubio’s birthday would have been on September 30, and they had planned a surprise party for her that evening.

Rubio’s sister reportedly spoke with her shortly after 3:30 p.m. on September 27, inviting her to a family gathering later that evening. When Rubio failed to show up, concerned family members went to her apartment around 8 p.m. Finding no answer and the door locked, they contacted a locksmith to gain entry.

Family members informed police that Gonzalez had recently been released from jail and was staying with Rubio. They also reported that he had a history of mental health issues and substance abuse.

A Phoenix police officer spotted a missing GMC Yukon, that Rubio’s sister had loaned Rubio, around 2:45 a.m. on September 28 at a gas station near Interstate 10 and 99th Avenue. Less than an hour later, Gonzalez was taken into custody. Investigators found dried blood on his legs and socks.

During an interview with detectives, Gonzalez allegedly admitted to smoking methamphetamine with a man he had just met. He claimed that this man stabbed his mother and then forced him to do the same. However, police say there is currently no evidence that any other suspect was involved in Rubio’s death.

Court records reveal that Gonzalez has a history of criminal behavior and mental health issues. In October 2021, he was convicted of aggravated assault on a police officer after punching an officer during a trespassing incident at a Circle K in west Phoenix. He pleaded guilty to the charge in October 2022 and was released from state custody nearly 11 months later.

Most recently, Gonzalez was arrested for criminal damage after allegedly breaking a window at a Fry’s Food gas station. The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute this case due to insufficient evidence, leading to Gonzalez’s release on September 27, just hours before the alleged murder of his mother.

The Glendale Police Department described the incident as “absolutely horrific” and stated that the investigation is ongoing. Gonzalez has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of vehicle theft.

The case has raised questions about the handling of individuals with mental health issues and substance abuse problems within the criminal justice system. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rubio’s death and Gonzalez’s recent release from custody.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause and manner of Rubio’s death. Meanwhile, Gonzalez remains in custody at the Maricopa County Jail as he awaits further legal proceedings.