In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through a Texas community, a teenager stands accused of violently altering the lives of a family he once knew. The 15-year-old boy, whose identity remains protected due to his age, allegedly intended to confront his ex-girlfriend with a deadly plan outside of her school. However, he reconsidered and instead targeted her family in their Odessa home, resulting in the tragic deaths of her mother, 9-year-old brother, and 13-year-old sister.

Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke addressed the media on Wednesday, describing the incident as a “tragic and cowardly act of violence.” His words underscored the profound impact such events have on a community, especially during the holiday season. “It’s the kind of thing that really marks a community,” Gerke reflected, highlighting the emotional toll of the triple homicide.

According to police reports, the teenager forced his way into the family home at 8740 Hunter Miller Way on a Tuesday, armed with a handgun. The victims, identified as Jessica Rodriguez, 39, and her two young children, were fatally shot before the suspect fled the scene. The Odessa Police Department detailed in a Facebook post that the boy had initially intended to attack his ex-girlfriend but redirected his violent intentions to her family instead.

Law enforcement managed to apprehend the suspect approximately 40 minutes after the horrific event unfolded. Chief Gerke confirmed that the ex-girlfriend was unharmed in the incident, though it remains unclear whether she was present at the time of the attack. “She wasn’t injured,” he assured during his address to the press.

This devastating incident leaves a community grappling with loss and searching for understanding in the wake of such senseless violence. As the investigation continues, residents and officials alike are left to ponder the depths of this tragedy and its long-lasting effects on those involved.

“She wasn’t injured,” the chief said.

Police are reportedly still investigating how the teen allegedly obtained a firearm.

“We know what he told us, how he got the gun, but we don’t necessarily believe everything that he tells us about that,” Gerke said.

The children’s father, Roy Martinez, has launched a GoFundMe that says his heart is “extremely broken” about what transpired on Tuesday.

“It will never be complete anymore,” he said.

The teen suspect has been charged with three counts of capital murder of multiple persons and is being held at the Ector County Youth Center.