Texas Teen Accused of Killing Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother and Two Siblings After Abandoning Original Plan to Shoot the 15-Year-Old Outside School
TEXAS — Police in Odessa say a 15-year-old boy is now charged with three counts of capital murder after he allegedly abandoned a plan to shoot his ex-girlfriend outside of school and instead went to her home, where he is accused of killing her mother and two younger siblings in what investigators describe as a “tragic and cowardly act of violence.”
Police: Teen Forced His Way Into Home and Opened Fire
According to the Odessa Police Department, the teen suspect went to the family’s residence at 8740 Hunter Miller Way on Tuesday and forced his way inside while armed with a handgun. Once inside, officers say he shot and killed:
- Jessica Rodriguez, 39 (the ex-girlfriend’s mother)
- Her 9-year-old son
- Her 13-year-old daughter
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the teen had originally planned to shoot his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend outside of school, but “changed his mind” and instead went to the house, where only her family members were present. The ex-girlfriend was not injured, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether she was home at the time of the attack.
Suspect Arrested Shortly After the Killings
Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke said the suspect was located and apprehended roughly 40 minutes after the shootings, following a brief search around the neighborhood. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Gerke called the murders “a hurtful, horrible thing,” especially during the holiday season, telling reporters the violence has shaken the community.
“It was such a tragic and cowardly act of violence,” Gerke said during a media briefing. “It’s the kind of thing that really marks a community.”
Questions Remain About How Teen Obtained the Gun
Authorities say they are still working to determine how the 15-year-old gained access to a firearm. Although the suspect allegedly offered an explanation, police say they do not fully believe his account.
“We know what he told us, how he got the gun, but we don’t necessarily believe everything that he tells us about that,” Chief Gerke said.
Investigators have not yet revealed whether the weapon belonged to a family member or was obtained elsewhere.
Heartbroken Family Speaks Out
A GoFundMe launched by the children’s father, Roy Martinez, describes his devastation following the triple homicide. He wrote that his heart is “extremely broken” and that his family “will never be complete anymore.”
Friends, neighbors, and community members have begun placing memorial items near the home as the investigation continues.
Charges and Detention
The teen suspect is charged with three counts of capital murder of multiple persons. Due to his age, his name is not being released publicly. He is currently being held at the Ector County Youth Center.
Police have not yet released information about potential motives beyond the relationship history between the teenager and his ex-girlfriend. The investigation remains active.
Stay Updated
Waldron News will provide additional updates as police release more information on how the suspect acquired the firearm, the timeline of events, and upcoming court proceedings.