15-Year-Old Accused of Killing Ex's Mom, Siblings After Breakup to Be Tried as Adult

Damien Gabriel Valdez allegedly shot and killed his ex-girlfriend's family after changing his mind about shooting her at school.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 12:50pm

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A 15-year-old Texas boy accused of killing his ex-girlfriend's mother and two younger siblings after a breakup will be tried as an adult. Damien Gabriel Valdez is facing one count of capital murder of multiple persons for the December 2025 attack in Odessa, Texas. Authorities say Valdez initially planned to shoot his ex-girlfriend outside her school but changed his mind and instead went to her apartment, where he fatally shot her mother and two siblings before fleeing.

Why it matters

This case highlights the devastating impact of teen violence and the challenges of prosecuting minors accused of heinous crimes. It raises questions about mental health resources, domestic violence prevention, and whether the juvenile justice system is equipped to handle such serious offenses.

The details

According to investigators, Valdez was 15 years old when he allegedly shot and killed 39-year-old Jessica Rodriguez, as well as her 9-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. Police say the violence followed a breakup between Valdez and his 15-year-old ex-girlfriend. Valdez initially planned to shoot the girl outside her school but "changed his mind" and instead went to her apartment, where her family members were home. He then fatally shot Rodriguez, his ex's mother, before turning the gun on his ex's two younger siblings and fleeing the area on foot.

  • On December 9, 2025, police responded to reports of gunfire around 5:45 p.m. at the 87th Street Apartments in Odessa, Texas.
  • Valdez was arrested roughly 40 minutes later after police spotted him walking along Andrews Highway.

The players

Damien Gabriel Valdez

A 15-year-old Texas resident who is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend's mother and two younger siblings after a breakup.

Jessica Rodriguez

The 39-year-old mother of Valdez's ex-girlfriend, who was allegedly killed by Valdez.

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What they’re saying

“It was such a tragic and cowardly act of violence. It's the kind of thing that really marks a community. Particularly in the holiday season, it's a hurtful, horrible thing.”

— Mike Gerke, Odessa Police Chief

What’s next

The case will now proceed through the adult criminal court system. Prosecutors have said the case will next go to a grand jury.

The takeaway

This horrific crime underscores the urgent need for improved mental health resources, domestic violence prevention programs, and a thorough examination of the juvenile justice system's ability to handle such serious offenses involving minors.