ODESSA TEXAS, A teenager accused in the fatal shooting of a mother and her two children in Odessa will be tried as an adult following a court ruling in Ector County.
Authorities said the shooting occurred on December 3, 2025, around 5:45 p.m. at an apartment complex on Hunter Miller Way. When officers arrived, they found three people inside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds.
All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Police identified them as 39-year-old Jessica Rodriguez, her 13-year-old daughter Jaylin Rodriguez, and her 9-year-old son Jace Rodriguez.
Investigators said the suspect, 15-year-old Damien Valdez, had previously been in a relationship with Jessica Rodriguez’s teenage daughter.
According to investigators, Valdez initially planned to confront his former girlfriend outside her school but later changed his plan and instead went to the family’s apartment.
Authorities allege that Valdez entered the residence and opened fire, killing the mother and the two younger children.
Police said officers located Valdez about 40 minutes after the shooting along Andrews Highway. Investigators reported that he had fled the scene on foot before being taken into custody.
A handgun believed to have been used in the shooting was also recovered by investigators.
On March 10, 2026, following a hearing in Ector County Court-at-Law, a judge ruled that Valdez would be certified to stand trial as an adult.
Valdez now faces one count of capital murder of multiple persons, and prosecutors said the case will move forward to a grand jury as the investigation continues.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspect previously had contact with law enforcement related to a family matter, though officials have not released additional details.
