On October 18, 2024, shortly after 2 a.m., 18-year-old Jaedynn Anthony, a gas station clerk and mother, was working alone during her overnight shift in Oklahoma City.
A man entered the store and placed items on the counter as if to make a purchase.
As Jaedynn scanned the items and opened the register, the suspect brandished a knife and demanded the money.
After Jaedynn handed over the cash, the suspect stabbed her once and fled the store around 2:05 a.m. Later, a passerby discovered Jaedynn in distress and called 911.
When Oklahoma City police arrived, it was too late; Jaedynn had succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind her 13-month-old son.
Following the incident, authorities released surveillance footage in an effort to identify the suspect.
Master Sergeant Dillon Quirk from the Oklahoma City Police Department urged the public to assist in swiftly apprehending the violent suspect, stating, “We’re pleading to the public to help us get this very violent suspect identified and taken into custody rather quickly.”
Jaedynn’s employer, 7-Eleven, offered a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect’s identification and arrest, with an additional reward of up to $1,000 available through Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with details was encouraged to contact the Oklahoma City Police Homicide Tip Line or submit information anonymously online.
Days after the public appeal, Crime Stoppers received two crucial tips identifying the suspect as 23-year-old Anthony Gonzalez.
Police located Gonzalez at his residence, just 1.2 miles from the gas station. Upon arrival, officers observed he was wearing shoes matching those in the surveillance footage.
Gonzalez was arrested through the combined efforts of the Oklahoma City Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
He is now in custody on charges of robbery and first-degree murder, awaiting trial.
As of now, the case is set to be reviewed by the District Attorney’s office, which will make the final decision regarding formal charges against Gonzalez.
In the wake of the tragedy, Jaedynn’s cousin, Somer Goodgion, shared with Fox 25, “She was just a baby. She had no right having her life taken like this; poor Brayden here misses his mom.”
To support Jaedynn’s family during this difficult time, a GoFundMe page has been set up.
