A 15-year-old is now in custody, facing charges of capital murder following a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of his former girlfriend’s mother and two children in West Texas.
On Tuesday, Odessa Police were summoned to the 87th Street Apartments after reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers discovered the bodies of Jessica Rodriguez, aged 39, and her two children, a 9-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter.
The teenage suspect was not present at the scene when police arrived. However, authorities managed to locate and apprehend him about 40 minutes later. It has been revealed that the suspect was previously in a relationship with Rodriguez’s teenage daughter, who is also 15.
Investigations by Odessa police suggest that the suspect originally planned to target his ex-girlfriend at her school but instead altered his course and went to her home.
During a news conference on Wednesday, Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke described the incident as a “tragic and cowardly act of violence.” His comments underline the shock and gravity of the situation.
Chief Gerke also confirmed that the 15-year-old ex-girlfriend was not physically injured in the attack, saying, “She is OK; she wasn’t injured … I’m sure after all this happened to her family, she’s not OK. But physically she was unharmed.”
Gerke did not specify whether the teenage girl was present during the shooting. He did indicate, according to CBS News, that the shooting had been intentional and specifically targeted the three victims.
The shooting and the related circumstances are still being investigated. Garke did not provide any details regarding a motive.
The 15-year-old suspect is being detained at the Ector County Youth Center.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Shutterstock]
