Rene Ray Rodriguez Jr.

Rene Ray Rodriguez Jr. was a beloved son, brother, and friend who enjoyed music, video games, and spending time with his family. The 20-year-old Hispanic male was living in his family’s home in San Antonio, Texas, where a relative described him as kind and sweet. His cousin said that Rene was undoubtedly going to be his best man when he eventually married.

On the morning of October 7, 2020, tragedy struck the family’s home on Lasses Boulevard on the city’s Southeast Side. Shortly before 7 a.m., a person entered the house without force and walked into Rene’s bedroom. The intruder shot Rene at least four times while he was in bed, possibly asleep. His mother, Michelle Rodriguez, was awakened by the gunshots and ran to check on her children, finding her daughter missing and her son collapsed on the floor. Rene managed to get out of bed before he died from his injuries.

San Antonio police were called to the scene and began an investigation. An investigator noted that a teenage boy and girl had been seen walking or running away from the home after the shooting. The next day, police arrested two 13-year-olds, a boy and a girl, in connection with the homicide.

The two teenagers were identified as Rene’s younger sister and her boyfriend. Both were charged with murder. Rene’s mother told reporters that her son had no enemies and that the family had been trying to keep her daughter away from the boyfriend, whom they considered a bad influence. A cousin speculated that Rene’s protectiveness as a big brother may have led to his death, saying, “He didn’t deserve this.”

Following the arrests, a teenager accused in the fatal shooting was sentenced in court. The case is now considered solved.