Before & After: Kassandra Toruga's Shocking Crime & Sentence
Could a friendship forged in the shared experience of impending motherhood lead to a plot so sinister it defies belief? In a case that shocked the community of Maricopa, Arizona, the bond between two young, expectant mothers took a terrifying turn, revealing a dark undercurrent of obsession and violence.
In 2011, the lives of Angelique Robledo and Kassandra Toruga, both teenagers navigating the uncharted waters of pregnancy, became inextricably linked. They were introduced by a mutual acquaintance, united by the commonality of their circumstances. Angelique, a resident of Arizona, was carrying her first child, a period marked by the usual mix of anticipation and vulnerability. Kassandra, also 18, seemingly mirrored Angelique's situation, claiming to be seven months pregnant herself. Their shared experience of becoming teen mothers fostered a rapid connection, a bond built on late-night chats about baby names and nursery themes.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kassandra Toruga |
| Age at the Time of Incident | 18 |
| Residence | Maricopa, Arizona |
| Known Medical Condition | Schizophrenia |
| Date of Arrest | March 2011 (For fire) |
| Charges | Reckless Burning, Aggravated Assault, (Initially: Attempted Murder, Arson, Burglary) |
| Plea | Guilty by Reason of Insanity (Attempted Arson) |
| Sentence | 7 years in a mental health facility |
| Victim | Angelique Robledo (Pregnant Friend) |
| Motive (Alleged) | To murder Angelique Robledo and steal her unborn baby |
| Items Found at Scene | Two large butcher knives, scissors, diapers, baby clothes |
| Relevant Link | AZCentral - Kassandra Toruga: The case of the baby-snatching teen |
Their shared sense of sisterhood quickly became a source of support. The two bonded, discussing the trials and triumphs of their pregnancies, navigating the new world of expectant motherhood together. Kassandra, who was often around Angelique's family, spent time with her, including Celeste, Angelique's mother.
However, this seeming solidarity masked a chilling reality. According to police reports and the subsequent court proceedings, Kassandra Toruga was not merely an expectant mother seeking friendship, but someone harboring a dangerous obsession. Her claims of pregnancy were later proven false; she had allegedly fabricated the entire scenario. The illusion of pregnancy was further bolstered by a profile picture of an ultrasound on her Myspace page, a detail that added a layer of deception to her web of lies. The illusion of being pregnant was so successful that Angelique had no reason to doubt Toruga's claim to be with child.
The faade began to crumble on February 16, 2011, at Angelique's home in Cobblestone Farms. Kassandra, carrying a large bag, arrived to drop off a baby shower gift. But her visit took an unexpected and terrifying turn. Instead of celebratory gifts, the bag contained an arsenal of implements: two large butcher knives, scissors, diapers, and baby clothes. As Angelique would later testify, Kassandra led her into a dark room, and Angelique, now nine months pregnant, could feel she was in danger.
During the incident in Robledos home, Toruga allegedly set a fire in the bedroom closet, an act that would later lead to charges of arson. Simultaneously, according to the police, she attempted to harm her pregnant friend with the intent of stealing the unborn child. Kassandra Toruga was arrested in March 2011, after admitting to starting the fire in a bid to murder Angelique and steal her baby. At the time, police recommended charges of attempted murder, arson, and burglary.
The case quickly captivated the local community and sparked a national conversation. The details were gruesome, drawing the public into the darkness of the situation, as headlines blared, "Teen in Arizona attacked pregnant friend, tried to cut baby out of her womb." The Arizona Republic reported that Kassandra Toruga faced attempted murder, arson, and burglary charges. The events shook Angelique to her core, leaving her to confront the horrifying reality that her "friend" was anything but.
In the aftermath of the incident, the legal proceedings against Kassandra Toruga unfolded. On Tuesday, Toruga pleaded guilty by reason of insanity to attempted arson. The charges were reduced from attempted murder. In February 2012, she was sentenced to 7 years in a mental health facility, with the possibility of serving the remainder of her sentence in a department of corrections facility if deemed rehabilitated. Kassandra was arrested on March 3 after she allegedly admitted to trying to kill her pregnant friend and take the unborn baby. The sentence reflected the recognition of Torugas mental state at the time of the crime. It offered the possibility of treatment rather than solely punishment.
The case of Kassandra Toruga and Angelique Robledo remains a stark reminder of the fragility of trust and the devastating consequences of mental illness. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance, especially during periods of vulnerability. The story continues to fuel discussion and analysis, with each facet of the case offering lessons about empathy, mental health awareness, and the perils of deception. The story shows how the shared joys of motherhood can be twisted into something truly dark.
The story continues to be shared on facebook, which is a popular platform for people to share information on.
