A shocking act of violence has left the Odessa community reeling after a 15-year-old boy Charged with Killing Ex-Girlfriend’s Mother and Two Siblings in a premeditated attack inside their West Texas apartment. The tragic incident occurred on Tuesday, December 9, at the 87th Street Apartments on Hunter Miller Way, leaving three family members dead and an entire community struggling to come to terms with the severity of the crime. According to law enforcement, the teen suspect, motivated by a recent breakup with the family’s 15-year-old daughter, carried out the deadly shooting in what authorities are calling a planned and targeted attack.
The Events Leading Up to the Tragedy
Police reports indicate that the teen initially intended to confront his ex-girlfriend at her school. However, investigators determined that he changed course and decided to target her at her residence instead. Authorities say that he entered the apartment and fatally shot 39-year-old Jessica Rodriguez along with her two children, a 9-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. Officers were called to the scene at approximately 5:45 p.m. and discovered the three victims dead from gunshot wounds.
Law enforcement officials located the juvenile suspect about 40 minutes after the shootings, and he was taken into custody without further incident. He has been charged with capital murder and is currently being held at the Ector County Youth Center. Police have not released the suspect’s name due to his age.
The investigation into the incident remains active, with authorities trying to determine how the teen obtained the handgun used in the attack. Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke confirmed that the origins of the weapon remain unclear and emphasized that anyone who may have provided the firearm or had knowledge of the planned attack could face criminal charges.
‼️BREAKING: 15yo Boy Charged with Capital Murder After Fatally Shooting Ex-Girlfriend’s Mom & Two Siblings (ages 9 & 13) in Revenge for Breakup—Planned to Target Her at School But Went to Home Instead!
— i Expose Racists & Pedos (@SeeRacists) December 12, 2025
📍Odessa, TX
Police responded to apartment and Found Jessica Rodriguez, 39,… pic.twitter.com/Sz3lSpp8Ei
Family members have described the devastating impact of the killings. Roy Casey Martinez, the father of the two children, shared his grief in a GoFundMe post, stating that “a young boy took the lives of my 9-year-old son, my 13-year-old daughter, and their mother, who was my ex-wife.” He expressed the impossibility of preparing for such an event, reflecting the profound shock and sorrow experienced by the victims’ family.
Community and Law Enforcement Response
The tragic nature of the crime has left the Odessa community in a state of mourning and disbelief. Chief Gerke described the incident as “a tragic and cowardly act of violence” that leaves a lasting mark on the community, especially during the holiday season. He emphasized the psychological trauma experienced by the surviving ex-girlfriend, noting that while she was physically unharmed, the emotional toll of losing her family members is immense. “Saying she’s ‘OK’ would be a misnomer after what happened to her family,” Gerke remarked, highlighting the lasting impact of the event on those left behind.
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The community has rallied around the victims’ family, with local organizations and residents offering support and condolences. The GoFundMe set up by the children’s father has quickly drawn attention, with contributions aimed at assisting the family in coping with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. Law enforcement officials continue to urge anyone with information about the suspect’s access to the firearm or knowledge of his plan to come forward, as the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities also indicated that the suspect had one prior encounter with law enforcement involving a family dispute, but there were no previous indications of violent behavior that could have foreshadowed such a devastating act. Chief Gerke noted that the case raises questions about juvenile accountability and whether the teen will face charges in adult court. Prosecutors are currently evaluating this option, which could potentially allow the public release of the suspect’s identity.
Legal and Social Implications
The alleged killings have significant legal and social implications, particularly concerning the treatment of juvenile offenders in severe criminal cases. If tried as an adult, the 15-year-old could face life imprisonment under capital murder charges, reflecting the gravity of the crime. However, as a minor, the handling of the case requires careful legal consideration, balancing the need for justice with the recognition of the suspect’s age.
This case also draws attention to the broader societal issue of youth access to firearms and the potential consequences of such access. Authorities are investigating how the teen obtained the handgun and whether any adults may have contributed to the situation, highlighting ongoing concerns about gun safety, supervision, and accountability. Experts in juvenile justice emphasize that early intervention, mental health support, and community awareness are critical in preventing such incidents, especially when interpersonal conflicts escalate to violence.
The Odessa tragedy underscores the devastating impact that a single act of violence can have on families and communities. Beyond the immediate loss of life, incidents like this provoke a wider conversation about adolescent mental health, the influence of relationships on teen behavior, and the importance of vigilance in preventing youth access to weapons. As the investigation continues, the community grapples with grief while seeking answers and accountability for the deaths of Jessica Rodriguez and her children.
The emotional toll of the tragedy will likely extend far beyond Odessa. For the surviving ex-girlfriend, her loss is profound, and for the wider community, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of families to acts of violence that can emerge in moments of personal conflict. Law enforcement, legal authorities, and social service agencies are now tasked with addressing both the immediate aftermath and the broader implications of this crime.
As the case develops, the legal outcome will be closely watched, not only for the implications it has for the juvenile suspect but also for the precedents it may set in addressing severe crimes committed by minors. Meanwhile, Odessa residents continue to mourn the loss of three lives, hoping that heightened awareness, vigilance, and preventive measures can help avert such tragedies in the future.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of youth violence and the critical importance of community involvement, law enforcement diligence, and social support systems in protecting vulnerable individuals. With ongoing investigations and potential legal proceedings, the Odessa community faces the challenge of seeking justice while grappling with profound grief and loss.