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.
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.