Teen Girl Allegedly Killed by Ex-Boyfriend in Wealthy LA Suburb
Family members revealed the 15-year-old had recently ended her relationship with the suspect before he allegedly broke into her home and shot her.
A 15-year-old girl was allegedly killed by her ex-boyfriend in her Arcadia home after he broke into the residence and shot her while she was showering, according to police and her family.
Mina Kurdian's family disclosed the details of her death days after the incident, stating that she had recently ended her relationship with Paul Anthony Cruz Jr., 20. Her grandfather, Nick Eftekhari, told the California Post that Cruz had wanted to reconcile, but became angry when Kurdian refused.
Authorities reported that Cruz allegedly forced his way into Kurdian's home and proceeded to the bathroom, where he shot her. Kurdian was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the alleged murder, Cruz fled the home. He was later discovered in a Petco parking lot in Pasadena, having sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound. As of Friday morning, Cruz remained in critical condition at a hospital.
Eftekhari expressed his disapproval of the relationship, citing the five-year age difference between Cruz and his granddaughter, a fact he was unaware of until recently. He estimated the couple had been dating for a few months prior to the alleged killing.
Neighbors told ABC 7 that Kurdian had a younger sister and that her relationship with Cruz appeared to be going well. One neighbor described Cruz as polite and stated, "You never know who you're with."
The investigation into Kurdian's death is ongoing.