An 18-year-old man was charged with murdering 15-year-old Aziel Zacapala, a Rosemead High football player, authorities said on Wednesday, July 22.
The boy was fatally stabbed at around 1 p.m. on July 10 on the 9700 block of Fern Street, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which is helping El Monte police with the investigation.
Two of his friends were also stabbed during a fight.
On Monday, July 20, authorities arrested Jonathan Castelan of South El Monte on suspicion of murder, El Monte police said.
Castelan pled not guilty during a court appearance on Wednesday, July 22, to one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon, according to court records.
Zacapala was remembered by friends and family for his infectious smile and devotion to his family. He had dreams of playing professional football and was weeks away from taking the field for Rosemead High School’s varsity football team as a sophomore when he was killed. He played on the squad as a freshman.
“I’m glad he’s in jail,” Aziel’s father, Antonio Zacapala, said of the suspect. “It’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. … He’s going to get what he deserves.”
Staff reporter Nathaniel Percy contributed to this report.