A 15-year-old Texas teenager is accused of a triple homicide, allegedly targeting his ex-girlfriend’s family after deciding against shooting her at school. The Odessa Police Department reports that the teen, whose identity is being protected due to his age, instead went to her home and committed the heinous act.
Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke, during a media briefing, described the incident as a “tragic and cowardly act of violence.” He further emphasized the impact of such a crime on the community, especially during the holiday season, labeling it as a “hurtful, horrible thing.”
The teenager reportedly arrived at his ex-girlfriend’s residence, located at 8740 Hunter Miller Way in Odessa, on Tuesday. Armed with a handgun, he allegedly forced his way into the home and shot his ex-girlfriend’s mother, 39-year-old Jessica Rodriguez, followed by her two younger children. He then fled the scene on foot.
The police department shared on Facebook that the suspect had initially planned to shoot his ex-girlfriend outside of school, but changed his plan and targeted her family at home instead. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Approximately 40 minutes after the shootings, the teen was apprehended by the police. Chief Gerke confirmed to reporters that the ex-girlfriend was unharmed, although it remains unclear whether she was home at the time of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, with police still trying to determine how the teenager obtained the firearm. Chief Gerke expressed skepticism about the suspect’s account of how he acquired the gun.
In the wake of the tragedy, the children’s father, Roy Martinez, has set up a GoFundMe campaign. He expressed his profound grief over the incident, stating that his heart is “extremely broken.”
The teenage suspect is currently facing three counts of capital murder of multiple persons and is being held at the Ector County Youth Center.