Man Sentenced to Death for Murdering Girlfriend and Her 4-Year-Old Daughter

Angel Gabriel Cuz-Choc killed Amalia Coc Choc de Pec and her daughter Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc in a trailer on a Florida strawberry field.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Angel Gabriel Cuz-Choc, 33, was sentenced to death for the murders of his girlfriend Amalia Coc Choc de Pec, 36, and her 4-year-old daughter Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc. Cuz-Choc dragged Amalia to a trailer on a strawberry field, where he stabbed her to death. He then went inside the home and stabbed Estrella to death in the bathtub. Cuz-Choc entered the country unlawfully in 2023 and is a suspect in two separate murders in his native Guatemala.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable victims, including undocumented immigrants. It also raises questions about immigration policies and the vetting of individuals with criminal histories who enter the country illegally.

The details

On April 24, 2024, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office received a call about a dead female at a mobile home in Dover, outside Tampa. Authorities found Amalia's body in a trailer in the backyard, covered in her own blood, and Estrella's body inside the home, stabbed to death in the bathtub. Cuz-Choc had fled the scene, prompting an 18-hour manhunt before he was found nearby in heavy vegetation. Authorities say Cuz-Choc became enraged when his girlfriend came home later than expected.

  • On April 24, 2024, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office received a call about a dead female at a mobile home in Dover, outside Tampa.
  • After an 18-hour manhunt, police found Cuz-Choc nearby in heavy vegetation.

The players

Angel Gabriel Cuz-Choc

A 33-year-old man who was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death for killing his girlfriend and her 4-year-old daughter. Cuz-Choc entered the country unlawfully in 2023 and is a suspect in two separate murders in his native Guatemala.

Amalia Coc Choc de Pec

A 36-year-old woman who was murdered by her boyfriend Cuz-Choc in a trailer on a Florida strawberry field.

Estrella Anastasia Pec Coc

The 4-year-old daughter of Amalia Coc Choc de Pec, who was also murdered by Cuz-Choc in the family's home.

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What they’re saying

“This is not a sentence anyone celebrates. This was one of the most horrific crimes we've ever seen in Hillsborough County. The case has now come full circle. Nothing can bring Amalia and Estrella back, but we do believe we've gotten justice for them and their surviving family members in Guatemala.”

— Suzy Lopez, State Attorney (Law&Crime)

“[Estrella] sustained at least six significant injuries to her body, two to her neck and four to her right hand. The court finds that the evidence introduced to trial established that [Estrella] was alive and conscious when she received the knife wounds, as demonstrated by Dr. Webb's testimony that the wounds to [Estrella's] hands were defensive wounds from grabbing a blade.”

— Michelle Sisco, Judge (WFLA)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the tragic consequences of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable victims, including undocumented immigrants. It also raises questions about immigration policies and the vetting of individuals with criminal histories who enter the country illegally.