TAMPA, Fla. – A Hillsborough County jury has recommended the death penalty for Angel Gabriel Cuz Choc, convicted in the savage stabbing murders of his girlfriend, Amalia Coc Choc De Pec, and her 4-year-old daughter, Estrella.
The jury delivered its recommendation after the penalty phase of the trial, following Cuz Choc’s conviction earlier this week for the double homicide. The State Attorney’s Office sought the death penalty, citing the “heinous, atrocious, and cruel nature” of the crimes.
Details of the Crime and Trial
According to prosecutors, Cuz Choc committed the murders after he reportedly became angry because Amalia returned home late from an outing with a friend. The brutal attack involved Cuz Choc assaulting Amalia with both a shovel and a knife, repeatedly striking and stabbing her. Four-year-old Estrella was found stabbed to death in the bathtub.
RELATED: Florida Man Convicted of Murdering Girlfriend And Her 4-Year-Old Daughter
During the penalty phase, which lasted over two days, jurors heard emotional testimony and medical evidence. Doctors testified about the intense pain and suffering both victims experienced during the murders. Amalia’s family members, who reside in Guatemala, testified about her life, explaining that she was in the United States working to send money back to her three other children in her home country.
State Attorney’s Response
In a statement, State Attorney Suzy Lopez highlighted the senseless violence of the crime.
“Jurors saw surveillance video of a joyful 4-year-old girl dancing around with a lollipop. She was enjoying a simple, happy moment with her mother at the grocery store. Just 30 minutes later, the defendant would brutally murder them both,” Lopez said. “This defendant will be punished to the fullest extent of the law for these senseless acts of violence. Our hearts are with their loved ones in Guatemala and the United States as they navigate life without Amalia and Estrella.”
The case was successfully prosecuted by Death Penalty Specialist Scott Harmon and Assistant State Attorney Lindsey Hodges. Cuz Choc was represented by the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office. The ultimate sentencing decision will now rest with the presiding judge.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
