It has been over a decade since the heart-wrenching case of young Alexandra Velazco-Cruz shook the city of Surprise, Arizona, and pierced the hearts of all who heard her story. Today, we share an important update and a solemn reminder that justice has been served—not only in honor of Alexandra’s brief and painful life, but as a resolute message to all that we will never forget, and we will never stop fighting for the innocent.
Background: A Life Lost Too Soon
On May 23, 2015, Surprise Police officers responded to a 9-1-1 call reporting an unresponsive child at a home. What they found would leave even the most seasoned officers shaken. Alexandra Velazco-Cruz—just days away from her 4th birthday—was discovered in a horrifying condition. She was rushed to the hospital, where, despite emergency efforts, she was tragically pronounced dead.
Alexandra weighed only 16 pounds—far below the normal weight for a child her age. She was severely malnourished and bore extensive signs of long-term physical abuse. The trauma she endured was not brief — it was systemic, prolonged, and devastatingly cruel.
The Investigation: Relentless and Unyielding
The case prompted an immediate and exhaustive investigation by the Surprise Police Department. Detectives uncovered a horrifying pattern of abuse and neglect that Alexandra had suffered throughout her short life. It was determined that she had been locked in a room, denied access to food, basic hygiene, medical care, and subjected to repeated physical beatings.
The investigation revealed the full scope of her suffering at the hands of those who were supposed to protect her — her mother, Rosemary Velazco, and her father, Carlos Tercerro Cruz. The level of cruelty Alexandra endured was described as among the most disturbing in the department’s history.
The Verdict: Accountability Achieved
In 2018, Alexandra’s mother, Rosemary Velazco, was convicted on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, and sentenced to natural life in prison. The court found her directly responsible for the extreme neglect and abuse that led to her daughter’s tragic death.
Her father, Carlos Tercerro Cruz, faced delayed court proceedings but was ultimately also found guilty and was sentenced to natural life in prison in early 2024. With this sentencing, both parents have now been held fully accountable for their roles in Alexandra’s death.
A Statement from Police Chief Evan Becher
“I will never forget the day we found Alexandra. She was a little girl who deserved love, care, and a chance to grow up safe. But instead, she suffered unimaginable cruelty. I’m proud of the unwavering work our officers, detectives, and prosecutors put into this case to ensure those responsible were held accountable. These two sentences are justice for Alexandra, and a reminder that we will always stand up for those who cannot protect themselves.”
— Evan Becher, Chief of Police
Honoring Alexandra’s Memory and the Road Ahead
While justice has been served, the pain of losing Alexandra Velazco-Cruz will never fade. Her life was tragically short, but her story will endure as a symbol of the importance of speaking up, stepping in, and protecting the vulnerable.
This case is a solemn call to action for all of us. If you see signs of child abuse, neglect, or mistreatment, please act. Don’t assume someone else will call. Your voice may be the one that saves a life.
Let Alexandra’s memory serve as a guiding light — one that reminds us to be vigilant, compassionate, and unrelenting in the protection of our children.
Rest in peace, Alexandra Velazco-Cruz. You are loved. You are remembered. Your story will never be forgotten.
#JusticeForAlexandra #EndChildAbuse #JusticeServed #SurprisePD #SeeSomethingSaySomething
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