Mother Murdered, Body Burned In Miami-Dade Backyard

MIAMI, FL — A 29-year-old woman has been accused of murdering her mother and burning her body in the backyard of the family's home in southwest Miami-Dade. Sasha Gonzalez, who lived with her mother, was charged with first-degree murder. Her boyfriend, Yancel Castillo, was charged as an accessory after the fact.

"The Homicide Bureau has made two arrests in relation to homicide investigation in southwest Miami-Dade," confirmed Detective Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police Department on Wednesday afternoon.

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The murder occurred around midnight Sunday as the victim was sleeping in her locked bedroom in the 22300 block of SW 127 Place, according to arrest documents.

Zabaleta said that a third person, identified as Santi Castillo, was being interviewed by investigators to determine his involvement, if any. Santi Castillo was identified as the brother of Yancel Castillo.

According to arrest documents, Gonzalez told police that she paid someone $50 to hurt her mother, but not to kill her.

Detective Chris Thomas of the Miami-Dade Police Department said that uniformed officers were sent to the home to check on the victim.

"While inside the house, officers noticed the scent of cleaning products and saw open cleaning containers in the victim's bedroom," according to Thomas. "Apparent bones were also found inside a trash bin in front of the residence."

Thomas said that the girl's mother was suffocated to death with a trash bag. "The day following the murder, the victim’s body was burned on the side yard," Thomas added. "Both Sasha Gonzalez and Yancel Castillo were arrested and charged."

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or texxt "CSMD" followed by the tip informaiton to 274637.

Sasha Gonzalez (left) and her boyfriend, Yancel Castillo. Photos courtesy Miami-Dade Police Department.