October 8, 2025

Angel Cuz Choc Convicted of Double Murder in Tampa

News Summary

Angel Cuz Choc has been found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and her daughter in Tampa. The jury deliberated briefly before convicting him of first-degree murder. The brutal nature of the crimes and his background as an illegal immigrant have raised significant concerns as the case moves into the penalty phase, where the possibility of the death penalty will be discussed.

Tampa, Florida

Angel Cuz Choc has been convicted of double murder for the deaths of his girlfriend, Amalia Coc Choc de Pec, and her four-year-old daughter, Juana Estrella. The jury reached a verdict following a trial that revealed the horrific circumstances surrounding the victims’ deaths and the defendant’s actions subsequently.

The murders occurred in April 2024 inside a mobile home on Sumner Road in Dover, Florida. Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call reporting a woman with traumatic injuries found lying face down in a shed on the property. Upon their arrival, deputies discovered Coc Choc de Pec deceased with visible injuries indicative of a violent struggle. Inside the home, they found her young daughter, Juana Estrella, lifeless from multiple stab wounds.

During the investigation, homicide detectives characterized Cuz Choc as controlling and demanding in his relationship with Coc Choc de Pec. Surveillance footage corroborated the prosecution’s assertion that Cuz Choc was the last person observed with the victims before their deaths. After the prosecution presented compelling evidence against him, Cuz Choc unexpectedly took the stand in his defense.

Testifying through an interpreter, Cuz Choc displayed a subdued demeanor and often responded with “I don’t remember” when questioned about the events leading to the murders. However, the prosecution countered these claims by emphasizing that Cuz Choc had fled the scene and resisted arrest, raising doubts about his assertions of memory loss.

The jury deliberated for only a few hours before returning a guilty verdict on two counts of first-degree murder, along with additional charges of aggravated child abuse and kidnapping. Following the verdict, Judge Michelle Sisco prepared the jury to begin the penalty phase of the trial, where they will determine whether Cuz Choc will receive the death penalty or a life sentence.

During the penalty phase, the prosecution plans to highlight aggravating factors that pertain to the brutality of the crimes, which they argue warrant the maximum punishment. In contrast, the defense will advocate for a life sentence, seeking to mitigate the sentence based on Cuz Choc’s circumstances.

It is significant to note that Angel Cuz Choc is an illegal immigrant who entered the United States by paying a smuggler to cross the border. This aspect of his background may also play a role in the discussions surrounding his sentencing.

The case has garnered attention given the tragic nature of the crimes and the impact on the victims’ families and community. As the penalty phase approaches, the discussions surrounding the appropriate consequences for Cuz Choc’s actions are set to intensify, underlining the broader implications of violent crime and immigration in the area.

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Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER

The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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