Oklahoma Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty After New Mom Working Alone at 7-Eleven Is Stabbed to Death for Less Than $40
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA — Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a 24-year-old man accused of murdering an 18-year-old 7-Eleven clerk and new mother who was working the overnight shift alone when she was stabbed to death for less than $40, authorities said.
DA Describes Killing as “Especially Heinous and Cruel”
The Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office announced last week it will pursue capital punishment against Anthony Gonzalez, 24, in the killing of Jaedynn Anthony, an 18-year-old mother of a 1-year-old boy.
Prosecutors allege Gonzalez robbed the store in October 2024, then stabbed Anthony and fled with under $40 from the register.
“After he had the money in hand, Gonzalez stabbed Jaedynn one time and left the store,” the DA’s office said, calling the attack “especially heinous” and “cruel.”
Surveillance Video Shows Chilling Encounter
According to investigators, surveillance footage captured Gonzalez entering the 7‑Eleven and saying hello to Anthony before pretending to make a purchase.
“She said hi to him, and he said hi to her when he came in the door,” said Somer Goodgion, Anthony’s cousin, in an interview with KWTV. “The audacity the man had to say hi to her knowing what you’re about to do.”
Police say Gonzalez ordered Anthony to open the cash register and stabbed her once the till was open, then ran from the store.
Teen Found Dying by Customers
Officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department responded around 2:45 a.m. after customers discovered Anthony inside the store in medical distress.
“When police arrived, they found Jaedynn dead,” the DA’s office said. Investigators confirmed Gonzalez left with less than $40.
Suspect Arrested After Multi-Day Manhunt
Gonzalez was on the run for several days before being captured by Oklahoma City police and U.S. Marshals Service task force members. He has since been charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Following a preliminary hearing, Gonzalez was bound over for trial and remains in custody on a $10 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for April 1.
Family Says Teen Had Minimal Protection
Family members said Anthony was not allowed to have a phone while working the overnight shift. According to Goodgion, the only protection she had was pepper spray she purchased herself.
“What do you give these people to protect themselves?” Goodgion asked, questioning why young employees are left alone during graveyard shifts.
Remembering a Young Mother
A GoFundMe created for Anthony’s family describes her as a “bright light” who left behind her 1-year-old son, Brayden. Loved ones say her death has devastated the family and raised serious concerns about worker safety in overnight retail jobs.
Prosecutor: Decision Not Made Lightly
Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Zemp Behenna said the choice to seek the death penalty followed extensive review.
“Our office treats the decision to seek the death penalty with the utmost seriousness,” Behenna said. “It is never made lightly and never made in haste. Based on the evidence in this case, we believe seeking the death penalty is appropriate.”
As the case moves toward trial, Anthony’s family continues to call for accountability — and for changes to protect workers who are most vulnerable.
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