In a chilling case that has captured public attention, Orlando police have arrested Jazelle Victoria Gonzalez, 39, in connection with the disappearance of her roommate, Rooney Leady Medina Pacho. Rooney was reported missing on December 27, 2022, after her family expressed concern over not hearing from her during the Christmas holiday. The situation took a dark turn as investigators uncovered a series of suspicious actions and conflicting statements from Gonzalez, leading to her arrest for second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and grand theft.
Gonzalez initially contacted authorities to report Rooney missing, claiming she had not seen her since Christmas Eve. She described a heated argument between the two women one week prior, allegedly over $3,000 in missing funds intended for sending packages to the Dominican Republic. The investigation revealed that Rooney’s son and mother had also been unable to reach her, an unusual occurrence that raised alarms among family members.
As authorities delved deeper into the case, they found discrepancies in Gonzalez’s statements. Although she claimed to have last spoken to Rooney on Christmas Eve, investigators discovered that Rooney’s phone was tracked in locations consistent with Gonzalez’s movements, including the day she reported her missing. In a puzzling twist, a day before filing the missing person report, Gonzalez purchased a chainsaw, trash bags, rubber gloves, and dish soap at local stores—items that investigators later deemed suspicious.
Detectives continued to press Gonzalez for information, which led to a series of conflicting narratives about the events surrounding Rooney’s disappearance. At one point, Gonzalez admitted to taking Rooney’s phone, asserting that she had put it in her purse after Rooney left the apartment upset. However, the timeline and details surrounding this claim did not align, prompting further scrutiny from investigators.
In February 2023, detectives seeking clarity executed a search warrant for Gonzalez’s apartment, where they found significant evidence indicating a violent confrontation had taken place. Dried blood, later confirmed to belong to Rooney, was discovered throughout the apartment, with some of it classified as castoff stains, suggesting a violent struggle. Furthermore, investigators noted alarming online searches conducted by Gonzalez regarding body disposal and trash management in Orlando around the time of Rooney’s disappearance.
Despite this evidence, Gonzalez was initially released while Rooney remained unaccounted for. Almost two years later, in October 2023, detectives located her in Hartford, Connecticut, where they sought a DNA sample as part of the ongoing investigation. During subsequent interviews, Gonzalez’s account of the events continued to change, raising further suspicions about her involvement in Rooney’s fate.
As the case continues to unfold, the Orlando Police Department is committed to finding answers for Rooney’s family. Gonzalez has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is expected to appear in court later this winter. Meanwhile, Rooney remains missing, leaving family and friends desperate for closure in a case that has captivated and horrified the community. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
