Crime
Victims in Odessa Triple Homicide Identified
ODESSA, Texas — Authorities continue to investigate a devastating triple homicide that occurred Tuesday evening in Odessa, as new information provides greater clarity about the events that unfolded.
The victims have been identified as 39-year-old Jessica Rodriguez, her 9-year-old son Jacob, and her 13-year-old daughter Kylie.
Their father, Roy Martinez, has since launched a fundraiser to honor his children and their mother.
According to the Odessa Police Department (OPD), officers were dispatched at approximately 5:45 p.m. on December 9 to the 87th Street Apartments, located at 8740 Hunter Miller Way, following reports of a shooting.
Upon entering the residence, officers discovered three individuals who had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
A 15-year-old suspect fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter.
His identity has not been publicly released due to his age.
Police confirmed that he is being held at the Ector County Youth Center. He faces one count of Capital Murder of Multiple Persons, classified as a capital felony.
In a statement released Wednesday, OPD reported that the suspect had initially intended to shoot his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend outside of her school.
He allegedly changed his plan and went to her home instead.
Once inside the residence, investigators say the teen fatally shot his ex-girlfriend’s mother, Jessica Rodriguez, followed by her 9-year-old brother Jacob and 13-year-old sister Kylie.
A GoFundMe page created by Roy Martinez describes the unimaginable grief he is facing. “This is something that no one can really prepare themselves for because we don’t expect this kind of tragedy to happen to any of us,” Martinez wrote. “I am not a person who ever asks for help from anyone, but at this time, I don’t have a choice.”
The investigation remains active as detectives continue working to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the events leading up to the shooting.
Crime
16-year-old Khyon Smith-Tate found shot to death inside Chipotle bathroom on edge of Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA — A 16-year-old boy was fatally shot inside the bathroom of a Chipotle restaurant near Temple University’s campus in North Philadelphia on Monday afternoon, police said, as students and staff returned for the first day of the Spring 2026 semester.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:00 p.m. inside the Chipotle located in the 1100 block of West Montgomery Avenue, on the ground floor of The View at Montgomery apartment complex. The building is situated near Temple University’s Student Center and TECH Center.
Police later identified the victim as Khyon Smith-Tate, a North Philadelphia resident. Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said Smith-Tate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at 5:24 p.m.
Temple University President John Fry and Vice President for Public Safety and Chief of Police Jennifer Griffin issued a joint statement following the incident:
“The loss of life to gun violence is a profound tragedy, and there are no words that can make sense of it. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.”
According to investigators, Smith-Tate and another minor entered the restaurant and requested access to the restroom. Chief Inspector Small said the shooting is believed to have occurred inside the bathroom.
Moments later, employees discovered Smith-Tate suffering from a gunshot wound. Police recovered one spent shell casing from a semiautomatic weapon inside the restroom.
Although the victim’s last known address was approximately eight blocks from the scene, authorities have not indicated what brought him to the location or what led to the shooting.
At the time of the incident, the restaurant was crowded, and multiple individuals inside the business were detained briefly for questioning. However, police said they have not yet obtained any statements from witnesses who reported hearing a gunshot.
A person of interest was taken into custody several blocks from the scene shortly after the shooting, but Chief Inspector Small said that individual’s involvement remains unclear.
As of Tuesday, police confirmed that no arrests have been made and no motive has been established.
Investigators believe Smith-Tate entered the restroom with another minor, though the whereabouts of that individual remain unknown.
Police are also seeking information about three possible suspects, described as teenagers carrying backpacks.
Chief Inspector Small noted that the area is equipped with numerous surveillance cameras, which detectives are reviewing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.