On September 2, 2023, 40-year-old Juan Alvarez of La Marque was found dead on the shoulder of the Highway 146 southbound feeder road in Texas City after officers responded to reports of gunfire around 4:42 p.m. He was discovered partially in a traffic lane and was pronounced dead at HCA Mainland Center Hospital.

Investigators say surveillance and witness statements tied four people to the case. Aaron Rodriguez, 31, was charged with murder and aggravated kidnapping; Tara Rodriguez and Cassie Lopez were charged with aggravated kidnapping; and Michael Hernandez faced an aggravated kidnapping charge. Affidavits allege Alvarez was picked up by Aaron Rodriguez with Mardo Palma in the passenger seat, that an argument led to Alvarez firing a shot out the window, and that when Alvarez’s gun jammed Rodriguez took the weapon and shot him multiple times. A witness was later found at a southeast Houston motel, reporting being blindfolded, beaten, and threatened; motel surveillance reportedly shows suspects bringing that person into a room before leaving.

No further conclusions have been released as the investigation continues. Does anyone have information about Alvarez, his movements that day, or the people named in the case?