New Details Emerge in Alleged Murder of 15-Year-Old Girl by 20-Year-Old Ex-Boyfriend
Family of slain teen recounts terrifying encounters with suspect, expressing shock over his true age.
In Arcadia, California, chilling details have surfaced regarding the alleged murder of 15-year-old Mina Kurdian by her 20-year-old ex-boyfriend, Paul Anthony Cruz Jr. According to Kurdian's family, Cruz drunkenly barged into the home Thursday morning before returning later to fatally shoot the teenager.
Relatives of Kurdian revealed to the California Post that they were unaware Cruz was 20 years old, believing him to be a minor. "I think she was embarrassed to say he was 20. If I knew he was, it would be a whole different situation," a family member stated. The on-again, off-again relationship between Kurdian and Cruz began about a year prior, but the victim largely kept it private.
Mina's grandfather, Nick Eftekhari, told The Post that Kurdian had broken up with Cruz several weeks before the alleged murder. Cruz reportedly became upset when reconciliation attempts failed.
On the day of the incident, Kurdian texted family members around 5 a.m. about a frightening encounter with Cruz, who had arrived at her home intoxicated and belligerent. The family reported he had a bottle of Hennessy and appeared to have been up all night. A confrontation ensued, and Kurdian asked him to leave. A relative noted that Cruz seemed emboldened to confront Mina because only her mother and sister were home at the time.
After Cruz departed, Kurdian made plans to visit a relative's house. Her last known text message, sent around 8:53 a.m., indicated she was going to shower and get ready.
Around 11 a.m., Cruz allegedly returned to the apartment and attempted to break through a glass door. When unsuccessful, he reportedly resorted to shooting through a window to gain entry. He then shot Kurdian in the head. Police pronounced her dead at the scene.
Authorities stated that Cruz fled the scene and was later discovered in a Pasadena parking lot with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As of Friday morning, he remained in critical condition at a hospital.
Kurdian's family described her as funny, happy, and adventurous. She aspired to become a cosmetologist and enjoyed spending time with her family and visiting theme parks. Her family expressed a hope that Cruz survives to face justice. An investigation into Kurdian's death is ongoing.