Stalking victim
Missing Woman and Her Stalker Found Dead in Car: 'He Scared Her'
Phoenix, AZ — The tragic case of a missing Arizona woman has come to a grim conclusion. Doris Maricela Aguilar, 25, who had been reported missing earlier this month, was found dead in a car alongside the body of her alleged stalker, Juan Jose Velis Cuellar, 51. The discovery has left a community in shock and raised serious concerns about stalking and personal safety.
The bodies were discovered on July 7 in a vehicle parked outside a steakhouse in Phoenix. According to the Phoenix Police Department, the car had been in the same spot for several days. Witnesses reported that the vehicle and its occupants had not moved, prompting a welfare check by authorities. Inside, they found the decomposing bodies of Aguilar and Cuellar, along with a firearm.
Aguilar was last seen on the evening of July 1 when she went to a store and never returned home. Her family became increasingly worried after she failed to make contact, leading them to report her missing. Her car was found unlocked with her purse and a wallet full of cash inside, which heightened concerns about her safety.
Private investigator Steve Fischer, who was involved in the search, revealed that Aguilar had expressed fear about Cuellar, who had been stalking her for some time. "She did tell her family and important people in her life about this person, and that if anything happened to her, he was responsible and he scared her," Fischer said.
Cuellar and Aguilar had a history that dated back to when they worked in the same building. Cuellar was fired about a year ago after Aguilar reported him for stalking and sending her obsessive and threatening messages. Despite losing his job, Cuellar continued to harass Aguilar, even showing up at her gym unannounced. This prompted Aguilar to switch gyms in an attempt to avoid him.
In a chilling Facebook post on June 27, Cuellar wrote, "Getting my Lifetime membership back. See you soon." Just three days later, Aguilar disappeared.
When authorities found the bodies, they determined that Cuellar had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. However, the Maricopa Medical Examiner has not yet released Aguilar's cause of death. Fischer suggested that Cuellar may have tried to stage the scene to look like a suicide pact, leaving a note inside the car to mislead investigators. "He tried to stage it to make it look like she killed herself," Fischer said.
The case has sent shockwaves through the Phoenix community and beyond. Many are grappling with the harsh realities of stalking and the devastating impact it can have. Aguilar's family, many of whom live in Honduras, are mourning the loss of a young woman who was known for her passion for fitness and her vibrant personality.
Local authorities and advocacy groups are using this tragic incident to highlight the importance of taking stalking seriously and providing adequate support and protection for victims. "This is a stark reminder that stalking is not just a nuisance; it is a serious crime that can escalate to violence," said a spokesperson for a local women's shelter.
As the investigation continues, there are calls for more stringent measures to protect individuals from stalking. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone experiencing similar situations to come forward and seek help immediately. "If you feel threatened or unsafe, do not hesitate to contact the authorities. Your safety is paramount," said a Phoenix Police Department representative.
The deaths of Doris Maricela Aguilar and Juan Jose Velis Cuellar are a sobering reminder of the dangers that stalking poses. As the community mourns, there is a renewed commitment to ensuring that such tragedies are prevented in the future.