Family Seeks Justice in Mother’s Death Amid Domestic Violence Surge
As Domestic Violence Awareness Month unfolds, the family of Angelica Bravo continues to seek justice for her tragic death, which occurred more than a year ago. Bravo was discovered deceased on July 8, 2024, inside the home of her ex-boyfriend, Cameron Lee, who is now a suspect in her murder. Her two children, Athena and Mateo, have been missing since that day, compounding the family’s anguish.
Dawn Bodea, Bravo’s mother, remains resolute in her fight for answers. “The hardest part is just knowing that there’s no justice yet,” she expressed. Her daughter’s case highlights a troubling trend, as domestic violence incidents are reportedly rising even as overall violent crime rates decline.
Struggles Behind Closed Doors
Bravo was known for her determination and love for her children. “She adored her kids and wanted to give them everything,” Bodea recalled. Despite her outward strength, Bravo faced significant challenges during her relationship with Lee. Her cousin, Giana Escobar, noted that Bravo confided in her about Lee’s controlling behavior, saying, “He doesn’t even really want me to go to work.”
Bodea indicated that fear played a significant role in Bravo’s silence. “Calling the police or addressing it in any way was just going to make it 100 times worse for her and the kids,” she said. This sentiment resonates with many domestic violence victims, as emphasized by Joyce Bilyeu from the Sacramento Regional Family Center. She stated, “It’s not easy. The more violent the relationship is, the harder it is to get out.” Bilyeu explained that domestic violence usually revolves around power and control, making the decision to leave a matter of life and death.
A Fight for Justice and Hope
In the months leading up to her death, Bravo was making efforts to escape her abusive situation, moving into her own apartment to start anew. “I was just the most proud that she had taken that step to get away,” Bodea shared. Tragically, just two weeks before her death, Bravo ceased communication with her family for several days. On the day of her disappearance, she sent a text stating, “I’m going to the north,” indicating she was returning to Lee’s residence. That message marked the last known contact before she failed to meet her family as planned.
Hours later, Bodea received the devastating news about her daughter. “I lost it because I knew what happened right away,” she recalled. The loss deepened with the realization that Bravo’s children were also unaccounted for, a situation that left the family in shock. Escobar remarked, “The shock of the kids being taken, too, just blew my mind.”
Following the investigation, the Sacramento Police Department named Lee a suspect in Bravo’s murder and issued an arrest warrant. The search for Athena and Mateo continues, with their family holding on to hope. “They’re growing up, you know, without us,” Bodea lamented.
The Bravo family remains committed to ensuring that Angelica’s story can help others in similar situations. “It’s important for me to just come forward and be that voice for her and not only that, but a voice to people that may be in similar situations to her,” Bodea stated. They are determined that her tragic fate will not be in vain.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Sacramento Police Department. Additionally, those experiencing domestic violence can reach out for help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or texting ‘START’ to 88788.
