Pasadena, TX – Prosecutors announced they will pursue the death penalty against a man charged in the 2023 sexual assault and murder of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez.
The Suspect
Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez has been charged with capital murder in connection with the child’s death. His next court date is scheduled for December 9, where a status conference will be held.
The Crime
On August 12, 2023, officers were called to an apartment in the 1000 block of Main Street in Pasadena after Maria’s father reported finding his daughter unresponsive, as reported.
Despite life-saving efforts by paramedics and police, the 11-year-old was pronounced dead. Investigators determined she had been sexually assaulted and died from asphyxiation due to strangulation.
Key Evidence
While processing the crime scene, detectives found a single apartment key that did not match any locks in the victim’s home.
Investigators later learned Garcia-Rodriguez’s roommate had made him a copy of their apartment key. The key recovered from Maria Gonzalez’s apartment was confirmed to open the suspect’s door — located next door to the victim’s residence.
DNA evidence collected from the crime scene also matched Garcia-Rodriguez, according to authorities.
Arrest
After the killing, Garcia-Rodriguez allegedly told his roommate he was leaving town for work. He was later located and arrested in Shreveport, Louisiana, where police say they found additional corroborating evidence tying him to the crime.
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