Authorities have arrested an 18-year-old in connection with the fatal stabbing of a promising high school football player in El Monte, California. Jonathan Castelan was taken into custody Monday, nearly two weeks after the July 10 attack that claimed the life of Aziel Zacapala, 15.
Emergency responders transported Zacapala to a local hospital following the altercation near Potrero School, but he succumbed to his injuries. The incident also left two other young men wounded. Investigators from the El Monte Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spent approximately two weeks gathering evidence before apprehending Castelan in South El Monte. He was booked at the Industry Sheriff's Station and has been formally charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Castelan faces charges including one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. While the investigation into the trigger of the deadly encounter continues, Zacapala was remembered by family and teammates as more than just a talented athlete with aspirations of playing professionally.
"Aziel was a good kid, full of promise and kindness, and he had big dreams of making it to the big leagues as a football player," said his uncle, Daniel Aguilar. Zacapala, known to friends by the nickname 'AZ,' was described as a "beloved nephew, friend, son, and high school football player." His dedication and positive spirit, Aguilar noted, inspired those around him, and his absence has left a significant void.
Zacapala's mother, who is raising two younger siblings, including a newborn, is also unemployed and relying on delivery services to support her family. Aguilar expressed the profound grief his sister is experiencing.
The fatal stabbing occurred less than a week after another student-athlete, 18-year-old Nolan Xavier Wells, was found dead in Mississippi on July 6. Wells had been reported missing on July 4 after a day of boating with friends, and his body was discovered following a multi-agency search.