Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 3:46
An 18-year-old man has been formally charged in the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old Rosemead High School football player during a fight at an El Monte skate park. The attack on July 10 left Aziel Zacapala dead and two other men wounded, sparking grief and outrage in the community.
According to the El Monte Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. on July 10 in the 9700 block of Fern Street, near Potrero School. A fight broke out between the suspect and the victims, resulting in three people being stabbed. The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived. Zacapala was taken to a nearby hospital but died from his injuries. The other two victims, both men, were treated and listed in stable condition. Authorities have not released details regarding the motive behind the attack or the identities of the other two stabbing victims.
After nearly two weeks of investigation, investigators identified Jonathan Castelan of South El Monte as the suspect. In a news release shared Wednesday, the El Monte Police Department announced that Castelan was arrested on July 20 and booked at the Industry Sheriff’s Station. Two days later, investigators presented the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Following a filing review, the District Attorney’s Office formally charged Castelan with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. Castelan pleaded not guilty during his court appearance that same day.
Aziel Zacapala, known to friends as “AZ,” was a sophomore-to-be at Rosemead High School. He had played on the varsity football team as a freshman and was weeks away from the new season. His family described him as a “good kid, full of promise and kindness” with dreams of playing in the big leagues. Friends and family also remembered him as a well-mannered kid who loved his parents, according to police. His mother, Maria Aguilar, described him as having a “golden heart” and told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, “He was just a really good kid overall. He had a lot of dreams.” A GoFundMe campaign was established to support his family. His father, Antonio Zacapala, said of the suspect, “I’m glad he’s in jail. … He’s going to get what he deserves.”
Zacapala was remembered by friends and family for his infectious smile and devotion to his family. He had dreams of playing professional football and was weeks away from taking the field for Rosemead High School’s varsity football team as a sophomore when he was killed. He played on the squad as a freshman. Zacapala's uncle, Danny, shared the family's grief and remembered his nephew's dedication to his life and sport. "Aziel was a good kid, full of promise and kindness, and he had big dreams of making it to the big leagues as a football player. His dedication to his sport and his positive spirit inspired everyone around him, and his absence leaves a deep void in our family and community. As a father of three myself, I cannot begin to imagine the pain my sister is experiencing. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference for Aziel's family."
The El Monte Union High School District released a statement, saying, “With heavy hearts, El Monte Union mourns the passing of Rosemead High School rising sophomore Aziel Zacapala. Our deepest condolences are with Aziel’s family, friends, classmates, teammates, and the entire Rosemead High School community as we navigate this heartbreaking loss.”
El Monte, a city in Los Angeles County, has seen a recent uptick in youth violence. The skate park where the stabbing occurred is near Potrero School, a local elementary school. The case has drawn attention from multiple news outlets across Southern California, reflecting community concern about safety in public spaces.
Violent incidents involving teenagers in California have prompted calls for increased youth outreach and conflict resolution programs. In Los Angeles County, authorities have emphasized the need for community cooperation in solving such crimes.
The legal process is ongoing as Castelan remains in custody. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS. Community members wishing to support Zacapala's family can also contribute to or share their official GoFundMe campaign. The community continues to mourn the loss of a young athlete whose life was cut short.
