With broken hearts and profound sorrow, we remember Angela Yajahira Cortes Villegas, a 20-year-old woman from Utah whose life was tragically cut short on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025. Angela was found shot and killed in a wooded area near Crest Lawn Memorial Park in northwest Atlanta, Georgia. Her sudden and violent death has left her family, friends, and all who knew her reeling from a senseless loss that defies understanding.
Angela was a bright and vibrant young woman, full of dreams, potential, and compassion. Though only 20, she carried herself with maturity and grace far beyond her years. She had a deep love for her family and a kind soul that left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered. Those closest to her recall a young woman with a radiant smile, a fierce sense of independence, and a passion for life that was as inspiring as it was genuine.
Angela was in the early stages of adulthood, building her future and pursuing her goals, with hope in her heart and a world of possibilities ahead. Whether through her studies, her friendships, or the quiet acts of kindness she showed to strangers, Angela lived a life filled with meaning and intent—touching others with her warmth and empathy.
Her tragic death is now the subject of an active homicide investigation by Atlanta Police. Authorities discovered Angela’s body in a wooded area near Crest Lawn Memorial Park, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene. In an effort to identify her, investigators initially released photos of distinctive tattoos found on her body. That search ultimately led to the confirmation of her identity as Angela Yajahira Cortes Villegas, a beloved daughter, friend, and member of the Utah community.
The investigation into Angela’s murder remains ongoing, with police working diligently to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice. Her death on what is traditionally a day of celebration and renewal—Easter Sunday—has cast a deep shadow over all who knew her, and over the communities that have been touched by her story.
Angela’s family, devastated by the loss, has asked for privacy as they grieve, but they have also expressed their gratitude for the support and prayers pouring in from across the country. Vigils and memorials are being planned both in Utah and in Atlanta, where community members are coming together to honor her life and raise awareness about the violence that claimed it.
“We lost a piece of our hearts,” said a family member. “Angela was everything—funny, loving, determined. She had dreams of doing good in the world. We will never forget her.”
As loved ones prepare to lay Angela to rest, they do so with the hope that justice will be served and that her memory will continue to shine as a beacon of love and strength. Her legacy is one of resilience, of a life lived with intention, and of a spirit that will never be forgotten.
Angela is survived by her grieving family and a wide circle of friends who will forever carry her in their hearts. May she rest in eternal peace, and may her story remind us all of the urgency to stand against violence and to cherish every life as sacred.
If you have any information about this case, please contact the Atlanta Police Department or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers Greater Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS (8477).