x
Breaking News
More () »

Woman attacked, killed after fight over romantic partner, Gwinnett Police say

Ashley Bocanegra, who is 30 years old, went to the hospital on Thursday with severe injuries, Gwinnett County Police said, and died a few hours later.

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A woman died in the hospital hours after being attacked by a woman and teen in Gwinnett County following a dispute about a romantic partner, police said.

Ashley Bocanegra, who is 30 years old, went to the hospital on Thursday with severe injuries, Gwinnett County Police said, and died a few hours later.  Earlier in the day, Bocanegra had gotten into a fight with two other women, the department said. 

Bocanegra's sister, Jessica Roche, said on Friday that her sister couldn't even breathe once she got to the hospital and had to be flown to another one; unfortunately, Roche claimed she was dead before they could start surgery.

"They fractured her ribs and her liver," Roche said. "She couldn't breathe out of her mouth. They had to put the tube in."

Police said investigators went to an apartment complex near the 2900 block of Buford Dr. around 1 p.m., after receiving a call from the leasing office. That's when they found two suspects, 27-year-old Antonetta Stevens, who is from Buford, and 17-year-old Janine Gonzalez, who is from New York. 

Credit: Gwinnett County Police Department
Janine Gonzalez (17 years old - left) and Antonetta Stevens (27 years old - right) were arrested and charged with felony murder and two other charges.

Stevens told investigators that she was in a romantic relationship Gonzalez’s brother and found out he was cheating on her with Bocanegra. 

Roche said Bocanegra had a 7-year-old son with the man and he was the one who took her to the hospital.

The woman and teen's initial story were that Bocanegra showed up looking for Gonzalez’s brother, and that's when the fight started. However, investigators said Stevens and Gonzalez lured Bocanegra to their apartment to attack her. 

“I’m very angry with those girls," said Brianna Jamison, the victim's cousin.. "They’re lucky the cops got them. She was beautiful inside out, so I can see why they were jealous. And jealousy is the ugly trait to have."

The department said Gonzalez’s brother was in the apartment and had "injuries all over his shoulders and back," but would not tell them where they came from. 

Investigators said they believe Gonzalez and Stevens both fought with Bocanegra, which led to her death. Gwinnett County Police added that Gonzalez and Stevens took Bocanegra’s cellphone. The two were arrested and charged with aggravated battery, robbery and felony murder.

An online fundraiser has been set up to raise money for funeral expenses. 

This is a developing story. Check back often for new information. 

Also, download the 11Alive News app and sign up to receive alerts for the latest on this story and other breaking news in Atlanta and north Georgia. 

Before You Leave, Check This Out