n the quiet town of Lancaster, California, a mother’s life was brutally cut short, leaving a community reeling and a family shattered. Sheylla Cabrera, a 33-year-old mother of three, was found dead in Angeles National Forest on August 16, 2025, days after being reported missing. Her husband, Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo, now faces murder charges in a case marked by chilling surveillance footage, allegations of domestic abuse, and a desperate flight to Peru with their children. This story of loss, betrayal, and a community’s fight for justice is as haunting as it is heartbreaking. Let’s dive into the details of Sheylla’s tragic end, the investigation that followed, and the lingering pain felt by those she left behind.
A Disappearance Sparks Alarm
Sheylla Cabrera’s nightmare began on August 12, 2025, when friends reported her missing to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The 33-year-old, known for her warmth and dedication as a mother, lived in an apartment on the 500 block of Lancaster Boulevard with her husband, Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo, 36, and their three young sons, ages 9, 6, and 4. When she stopped responding to messages in a group chat, her friends grew worried. “We kept trying to reach her, and she wouldn’t answer,” said Angelica Hernandez, a close friend. Neighbors checked her apartment, but Sheylla was gone, and her husband’s explanations raised red flags.
Jossimar offered conflicting stories: first claiming Sheylla was detained by ICE, then saying she’d run off with another man, and later suggesting she’d had an accident. His evasiveness prompted neighbors to dig deeper, leading to a chilling discovery. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex, recorded around 4 a.m. on August 10, showed Jossimar dragging a large object wrapped in fabric possibly a sack or curtains out of their home. This haunting video, shared with authorities, shifted the case from a missing person report to a suspected homicide.
A Grim Discovery in the Forest
The search for Sheylla zeroed in on Angeles National Forest, north of Los Angeles, after the disturbing footage came to light. On August 16, the Montrose Mountain Search and Rescue Team spotted an object matching the material seen in the video, discarded over an embankment. Inside was Sheylla’s body, her remains showing signs of trauma, according to Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department sources. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office is still determining her cause of death, but the discovery confirmed the worst fears of her loved ones.
As investigators processed the scene, they learned Jossimar had fled to Peru with the couple’s three children. He was briefly detained at Lima’s airport on August 16, but released before Sheylla’s body was found, as no warrant existed at the time. The children, thankfully, were found safe and placed in protective custody with Sheylla’s parents in Peru. Her family, devastated, now plans to bring her body back for a memorial, clinging to memories of a woman who was “always happy” despite her struggles.
A History of Abuse Comes to Light
Sheylla’s friends and neighbors revealed a darker side to her marriage. They told NBC Los Angeles that she had confided in them about physical abuse from Jossimar, painting a picture of a woman trapped in a volatile relationship. “We tried to get her out,” said a tearful friend named Elizabeth, recalling fears that Jossimar might harm her. On August 9, Sheylla spoke to her parents, expressing plans to leave him and take her children to safety. Tragically, she never got the chance.
The allegations of domestic violence have fueled outrage, with neighbors spearheading the initial search for Sheylla and pushing authorities to focus on Jossimar. Their discovery of the surveillance video was pivotal, turning him from a person of interest to the primary suspect. “It’s scary, very spooky,” said neighbor Eric Jimenez. “I don’t know what would make someone do that to the mother of their kids.” The community’s grief has transformed into a collective demand for justice.
A Fugitive and a Fight for Justice
On August 21, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged Jossimar Cabrera Cornejo with one count of murder, alleging he used a knife as a deadly weapon. An extradition warrant was filed the next day to bring him back from Peru, where he remains at large. “The allegations against this man are horrific,” said District Attorney Nathan Hochman. “Domestic violence creates chaos in our communities and shatters families. My office is committed to bringing stability back.” If convicted, Jossimar faces 26 years to life in prison.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is working with international agencies to locate him, but his whereabouts remain uncertain. His attorney, speaking to Peruvian media, claimed the surveillance video lacks a clear date or time stamp and doesn’t definitively show Jossimar, but authorities remain confident in their case. The investigation continues, with detectives combing through evidence to ensure justice for Sheylla.
A Community’s Grief and Resilience
Sheylla’s death has left Lancaster shaken. A vigil held on August 19 outside her apartment drew friends and neighbors, who lit candles and shared stories of her kindness. “She was a very hardworking mother, an amazing friend,” said Angelica Hernandez, tears streaming. The community’s activism canvassing the apartment complex and finding the critical video shows their determination to honor Sheylla’s memory. Her parents, now caring for her three boys, face the daunting task of raising them without her, their grief compounded by the distance and uncertainty of justice.
This tragedy has also sparked broader conversations about domestic violence. Sheylla’s story is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in abusive relationships and the urgency of intervention. Her friends’ regret “We tried to help, but it wasn’t enough” echoes the need for better resources and awareness to protect victims before it’s too late. As Lancaster mourns, the hope is that Sheylla’s legacy will inspire change, ensuring no other family endures such a loss.
