A family friend of a suspect involved in a murder linked to a love triangle in Los Angeles expressed that violence was somewhat anticipated given the circumstances, revealing a complex background.
This friend, who observed Emily Emerald Vogt, 27, throughout her upbringing, shared that the news of Vogt being charged with a brutal murder didn’t entirely shock him.
Before the murder of Carla Maribel Rodriguez became public, Gustavo Mosquera commented on Vogt, saying, “Her family faced significant trauma. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was involved in drugs or even committed murder.”
Vogt, who identifies as a trans man, is currently in an all-female prison with a bail set at $3.075 million. He is accused of fatally shooting Rodriguez on March 22 at her home in Beverly Grove, in addition to harming the victim’s dog, Prince, who also died during the incident.
According to a 44-year-old West Hills resident, Vogt started to change his appearance—shaving his head and dressing more like a man—during his teenage years.
“She began shaving her hair back when she was a teenager,” Mosquera reflected. “She walked like a man, dressed in black pants, a leather jacket, and sunglasses. People remarked she looked male.”
Emily’s grandmother, Paula Voigt, expressed her distress to Mosquera regarding the chaotic nature of their family dynamics, wishing for a male figure instead.
“Paula was really upset because she was concerned that neighbors would perceive her as gay,” Mosquera recounted.
“This kind of situation isn’t surprising. Emily lacked direction in her life. The only person she had was her mother, and their relationship was strained. There was no mentor for her, and her mother wasn’t a great influence.”
Paula, a cosmetologist, had successfully built a real estate portfolio, including properties on Ventura Boulevard in Sherman Oaks.
Mosquera, who once helped Paula with bookkeeping, developed a close bond with her and even gained the authority to make medical decisions for her.
“Paula was the cornerstone of their world,” he noted, highlighting that both Paula’s daughter Anita and granddaughter Emily were often “too caught up” to assist Paula.
As Paula’s health declined, the two women, who resided in a Paula-owned apartment, “came out of the woodwork,” according to him.
Mosquera revealed that the trustee managing Paula’s trust resigned shortly after her passing because working with Emily and Anita was incredibly challenging.
The last time he interacted with Vogt was in July 2013, during Paula’s ICU treatment just before she passed.
He commented that the neighborhood was aware of Vogt’s isolated lifestyle. “Everyone knew Emily wasn’t going to school, and the neighbors were genuinely worried about her,” he added.
In the aftermath of Paula’s death, Anita and Emily reportedly began squandering the inheritance.
“There was so much money involved, and Emily seemed convinced it would only go downhill after they received the trust,” Mosquera explained.
He noted how both women had never held jobs, relying solely on Paula for support and housing. “The moment they got the money, they started spending it indiscriminately. Anita bought a BMW, and Emily got a black Tesla,” he continued.
“Even after Anita’s passing, Emily kept spending,” he mentioned, indicating a possible lack of financial responsibility.
Mosquera pointed out that Vogt exhibited violent tendencies from a young age, recalling an incident where a girl fired a gun at home during target practice, causing a bullet to strike a nearby shop.
Police had been summoned previously when Vogt assaulted his mother, resulting in severe injuries.
Following Paula’s death, Anita and Emily’s handling of the commercial properties worsened significantly, leading to neglect and squatters moving in until they were sold for profit later.
“She really didn’t have any direction. It seemed like she anticipated turning to drugs with the money she inherited,” Mosquera reflected on Vogt’s future.
He shared that Vogt was unaware of his father’s identity, and his mother, Anita, had died in 2022.
“The world felt scary to her, and without support, I thought she’d perhaps improve herself with the money. That was Paula’s wish. Emily had started drinking as a teenager, sneaking alcohol from Paula’s apartment,” he added. “It felt like this story was leading toward something. I always suspected we’d hear about her eventually. It wasn’t a matter of ‘if’, but ‘when’.”
Carla Maribel Rodriguez, 48, was discovered with multiple gunshot wounds at her $2.4 million Beverly Grove residence, where she lived with Vogt. The police termed the incident a “domestic dispute.”
Rodriguez was found with her deceased dog just before 8:30 a.m.
Vogt’s arraignment is slated for April 29.
