FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]
TAMPA, FL (October 9, 2025) — A Hillsborough County jury recommended the death penalty for Angel Gabriel Cuz Choc in the brutal stabbing deaths of his girlfriend, Amalia Coc Choc De Pec and her 4-year-old daughter Estrella. The State sought the death penalty in this case because of the heinous, atrocious, and cruel nature of the murders.
Cuz Choc attacked Amalia with a shovel and a knife, repeatedly striking and stabbing her. Her 4-year-old daughter was found stabbed to death in the bathtub. Prosecutors argued that Cuz Choc committed the crimes when he became angry after Amalia returned home late from an outing with a friend. The jury found Cuz Choc guilty of the crimes this week before moving on to the penalty phase of the trial, which lasted more than two days.
Jurors heard from doctors about the intense pain and suffering both victims experienced during the murders. Amalia’s family testified about her life back in Guatemala. Amalia has three other children in her home country, where her sister said it is difficult for women to find work. Amalia was in the United States to make money to send back to her family.
“Jurors saw surveillance video of a joyful 4-year-old girl dancing around with a lollipop. She was enjoying a simple, happy moment with her mother at the grocery store. Just 30 minutes later, the defendant would brutally murder them both. This defendant will be punished to the fullest extent of the law for these senseless acts of violence. Our hearts are with their loved ones in Guatemala and the United States as they navigate life without Amalia and Estrella,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Death Penalty Specialist Scott Harmon and Assistant State Attorney Lindsey Hodges successfully prosecuted this case. The Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office represented the defendant.