ODESSA, Texas – A West Texas community is reeling after authorities say a 15-year-old boy carried out a deadly attack Tuesday evening that left three members of his ex-girlfriend’s family dead. Odessa Police are calling the violent rampage one of the most tragic cases the city has seen in years.
The shooting occurred at the 87th Street Apartments, where officers were dispatched shortly after receiving reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they discovered a horrifying scene inside the residence.
According to Odessa Police, the teenage suspect—whose name is being withheld due to his age—had initially planned to confront and shoot his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend after school. Investigators say he ultimately abandoned that plan and instead went to her home. Once inside, police allege the teen opened fire on her family members.
The victims have been identified as 39-year-old Jessica Rodriguez, the girl’s mother; her 9-year-old brother; and her 13-year-old sister. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say the suspect fled the apartment complex on foot, sparking an urgent search that lasted less than an hour. He was apprehended approximately 40 minutes later and taken into custody at the Ector County Youth Center. He is currently charged with capital murder of multiple persons, one of the most serious offenses under Texas law.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke condemned the killings as a “tragic and cowardly act of violence,” emphasizing the senseless nature of the attack. He confirmed that the teen’s ex-girlfriend was not physically injured, though he declined to specify whether she was present during the shooting.
“She is OK, she wasn’t injured,” Gerke said. “I’m sure after all this happened to her family, she’s not OK. But physically she was unharmed.”
Investigators are still working to determine how the 15-year-old obtained the firearm used in the killings. The motive, beyond the reported breakup, also remains under investigation.
As the community grapples with the devastating loss, a GoFundMe has been launched to support surviving family members during the aftermath of the tragedy.
Odessa Police continue to urge anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward as the investigation remains active.