Angel Gabriel Cuz Choc was sentenced to death on February 6, 2026, for the brutal murders of his girlfriend, Amalia Coc Choc De Pec, and her 4-year-old daughter, Estrella, in Dover, Florida.
Case Details
The killings occurred on April 24, 2024, at their mobile home, where Cuz Choc allegedly attacked Amalia with a shovel and knife after becoming enraged over her late return home. He then entered the home and stabbed Estrella while she was in the bathtub, inflicting at least six significant injuries; the judge noted she was alive and conscious during the attack, calling it “heinous, atrocious, and cruel.”
Trial and Sentencing
A jury convicted Cuz Choc of two counts of first-degree murder in October 2025 and recommended the death penalty by a 10-2 vote. Hillsborough Circuit Judge Michelle Sisco, who became emotional during the hearing, agreed with the recommendation, citing the victims’ extreme suffering. Surveillance video captured Cuz Choc chasing Amalia, and he was found hiding nearby the next day.
Key Statements
State Attorney Suzy Lopez described it as one of Hillsborough County’s most horrific crimes, emphasizing justice for the victims’ family in Guatemala. Cuz Choc claimed memory loss during his testimony, and defense argued mental illness, but the judge found he knew his actions were wrong.
