Odessa, Texas – A 15-year-old boy in west Texas is accused of carrying out a deadly shooting that left three family members dead, after allegedly abandoning an earlier plan to attack his ex-girlfriend outside her school, according to police.
Authorities say the teen instead went to the girl’s home and fatally shot her mother, younger brother, and sister in what police described as a shocking and devastating act that has deeply affected the community.
What Police Say Happened
According to the Odessa Police Department, the teen suspect went to a residence in the 8700 block of Hunter Miller Way on Tuesday afternoon armed with a handgun. Investigators allege he forced his way inside the home and opened fire.
The victims were identified as:
- Jessica Rodriguez, 39, the mother
- A 9-year-old boy
- A 13-year-old girl
“All three shooting victims were pronounced deceased on scene,” police said in a statement.
The suspect then fled the area on foot.
Alleged Change of Plan Before the Attack
In a statement shared by police, investigators said the teen had initially planned a different and equally violent attack.
“The 15-year-old male suspect had planned on shooting his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend outside of school but changed his mind and went to her residence instead,” the Odessa Police Department stated.
Police confirmed that the ex-girlfriend was not injured and was not among the victims. It remains unclear whether she was inside the home at the time of the shooting.
“She wasn’t injured,” Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke told reporters during a media briefing.
Community Impact and Police Response
Chief Gerke described the killings as a moment that would leave a lasting scar on Odessa.
“It was such a tragic and cowardly act of violence,” Gerke said. “It’s the kind of thing that really marks a community. Particularly in this holiday season, it’s a hurtful, horrible thing.”
Law enforcement officers located and arrested the suspect approximately 40 minutes after the shooting, authorities said. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Investigation Into the Firearm
Police say they are still investigating how the teen obtained the handgun used in the shooting.
“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, adding that detectives are working to verify the details.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities examine the suspect’s background, access to weapons, and the events leading up to the shooting.
Charges Filed Against the Teen
The suspect, whose name has not been released due to his age, has been charged with three counts of capital murder of multiple persons. He is currently being held at the Ector County Youth Center, according to officials.
Under Texas law, juveniles charged with capital murder can face long-term confinement if adjudicated responsible.
Family Grieves as Community Mourns
The children’s father, Roy Martinez, has launched a GoFundMe page to help cover funeral expenses and support the family during their grief. In the fundraiser, Martinez said his heart is “extremely broken” by the loss.
“It will never be complete anymore,” he wrote.
Community members have also begun expressing support for the family as they struggle to process the sudden and violent loss of three loved ones.
A Case That Raises Broader Concerns
The incident has renewed concerns about youth violence, access to firearms, and the warning signs that sometimes precede acts of extreme harm. Police have not yet disclosed whether there were prior reports or interventions involving the suspect.
Authorities say additional details may be released as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Odessa Police Department.
If you have thoughts on how communities can better prevent youth violence or recognize warning signs early, share your perspective in the comments below.
