ODESSA, Texas — A community is reeling after a 15‑year-old boy allegedly walked into an apartment complex Tuesday evening, opened fire, and killed a woman and her two young children — the mother of his ex‑girlfriend and her children.
At about 5:45 p.m. on December 9, officers from the Odessa Police Department (OPD) responded to reports of a shooting at the 87th Street Apartments, 8740 Hunter Miller Way. Upon entering the unit, they discovered three victims — each fatally wounded by gunfire.
The victims have been identified as 39‑year-old Jessica Rodriguez, along with her two children: a 9‑year-old boy and a 13‑year-old girl. All three were declared dead at the scene.
Authorities have taken into custody a 15‑year-old boy — the ex‑boyfriend of Rodriguez’s teenage daughter. Police say he initially intended to confront his former girlfriend outside her school, but changed course, going to her home instead. Once inside, detectives allege, he shot the woman and then her two children.
The suspect attempted to flee but was apprehended within about 30 minutes, near Andrews Highway. He is currently being held at the Ector County Youth Center. He is charged with one count of “capital murder of multiple persons,” a capital‑felony charge. Police say the shooting appears intentional and targeted, rather than random or part of a broader threat.
Residents of the apartment complex have been told the crime was isolated, and officers said there is no indication other residents were in danger. The crime scene remains active; investigators from OPD, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the county sheriff’s office were still present Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, grief and heartbreak are flooding in for the victims’ family. A fundraiser — organized by the children’s father — has been started to help honor the lives of his children and their mother. In a message shared on the page, he spoke of a loss no one should have to endure, and asked for help only because he felt he had no other choice.
At this time, investigators have not released additional information about what may have triggered the killings, or whether the suspect acted alone. The Odessa community is left searching for answers — and mourning a family destroyed in an instant.
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