Palm Springs, California – Eduardo Xol, widely recognized for his creative contributions to ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” has died following a severe stabbing incident. Xol, aged 58, succumbed to his injuries ten days after the attack, on September 20, 2024. This tragedy has since led to the arrest of 34-year-old Richard Joseph Gonzales, who now faces murder charges, according to officials.
The assault occurred on September 10, when police were alerted by Xol himself, who, despite his critical condition, was able to call for help. Responding officers found him in his apartment on East Arenas Road, suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was immediately transported to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he battled for his life over the next several days.
Richard Joseph Gonzales, who was acquainted with Xol, initially approached police alleging he had been attacked the night before the stabbing. Investigation swiftly connected Gonzales to the crime against Xol, resulting in his arrest initially on charges of attempted murder. These charges were subsequently upgraded following Xol’s death.
Gonzales is currently held without bail at the John Benoit Detention Center, awaiting a trial set for later this year. Details regarding his legal representation remain unknown, and he has yet to enter a plea.
The loss of Xol has resonated deeply within the entertainment and philanthropy communities. Known not just for his television appearances but also for a lesser-known career in music and acting in telenovelas such as “Acapulco, cuerpo y alma” and “La jaula de oro,” Xol made substantial impacts both on and off the screen. He was celebrated for his innate artistic talent and heartfelt empathy which shone brightly through his work and humanitarian efforts.
The news of his untimely demise shocked many, including Richard Perez-Feria, former editor-in-chief of People en Español, who remembered him as a “cherished and passionate individual” vital to his circle. Colleagues and viewers alike praised Xol for the joy his visionary landscapes brought into their lives, particularly through the dramatic house transformations on “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” which not only renovated homes but also revitalized communities.
In remembrance, the Xol family has expressed their profound grief and highlighted Eduardo’s commitment to helping those less fortunate. They have requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, a cause important to Eduardo.
As inquiries into the homicide continue, the precise nature of the relationship between Xol and Gonzales and the motive behind the attack remain under wraps. The connections that surely existed have now led to tragic consequences, leaving both a family and a community to mourn the loss of a man who devoted his life to the service of others and the pursuit of artistic beauty.
The community and Eduardo’s admirers are now left to honor his legacy by supporting the values he lived by and awaiting justice for his untimely death.