Latest Update: A 15‑year‑old boy has been charged with capital murder after allegedly killing his ex‑girlfriend’s mother and two siblings in Odessa, Texas. The suspect remains in custody at the Ector County Youth Center as prosecutors weigh whether to try him as an adult.
Photo credit: CBS News.
The Incident
- On December 9, 2025, Odessa Police responded to a shooting at the 87th Street Apartments on Hunter Miller Way.
- Inside the apartment, officers found three victims fatally shot:
- Jessica Rodriguez (39), the mother.
- Her 13‑year‑old daughter.
- Her 9‑year‑old son.
- Investigators say the suspect, a 15‑year‑old boy, had previously dated Rodriguez’s 15‑year‑old daughter.
Planned Attack
- Police revealed the teen originally planned to target his ex‑girlfriend outside her school, but changed his mind and went to her home instead.
- He allegedly entered the apartment and shot Rodriguez and the two younger children before fleeing on foot.
- The suspect was detained about 40 minutes later on Andrews Highway and taken into custody.
Charges and Custody
- The teen has been charged with capital murder of multiple persons, a capital felony.
- He is currently being held at the Ector County Youth Center.
- Prosecutors will decide whether he will be tried as an adult, which would allow his name to be released publicly.
Community Reaction
- Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke called the shooting a “tragic and cowardly act of violence”, noting the devastating impact on the community during the holiday season.
- The victims’ father, Roy Martinez, has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover funeral costs, describing the loss as something “no one can prepare for”.
- Flags at the apartment complex were lowered to half‑staff in mourning.
Ongoing Investigation
- Police recovered a handgun believed to have been used in the shooting.
- Authorities are investigating how the teen obtained the firearm and whether anyone else knew of his plan.
- No gang affiliations or broader criminal ties are suspected.
The Odessa triple homicide has left a mother and two children dead, with a 15‑year‑old boy now facing capital murder charges. The case has shaken the community, and prosecutors are considering whether to try the suspect as an adult.
