Trial Commences in the Case Where a Teen Girl and Boyfriend Kill Her Parents
The Court Room (Photo credit: Bryan Bruchman)
In October 2011, then-15-year-old Cynthia Alvarez and her then-16-year-old boyfriend Giovanni Gallardo allegedly murdered Alvarez’s mother and stepfather, apparently over an argument regarding Gallardo.
Gloria Villalta, the 58-year-old mother of Alvarez was attacked by the two teenagers upon entering her Compton house. The couple then hid Villalta’s body until Jose Lara, Alvarez’s 51-year-old stepfather, entered the house and was attacked with a knife and a baseball bat.
The two bodies were buried separately. Villalta was found in a Santa Fe Springs vacant lot and Lara was discovered in Long Beach, in a lot near Jordan High School.
Opening statements begin today for Alvarez’s trial and Gallardo’s case will begin later. Despite them being underage at the time of the alleged murders, the two will be charged as adult criminals and can be convicted with life in prison.
It is always terrifying to hear of horrors like these, but they do happen. Despite what occurs, it is always helpful to remember that the law is working constantly to ensure that wrongdoers do not get away with their crimes.
