In the quiet landscape of Kaufman, Texas, the life of 18-year-old Kace Leatherwood was abruptly and violently cut short in the spring of 2026. On the night of March 26th, sheriff's deputies responded to a distress call on County Road 103, where they discovered a scene of chaos and bloodshed. Kace and another 18-year-old, Luis Velez, had been shot multiple times. Both were rushed for medical attention, but Kace ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The community was left in shock and mourning for the young man who was remembered for his kind and compassionate heart, a person who saw the good in everyone he met.
The investigation into the brutal shooting quickly intensified, revealing a chilling sequence of events. Authorities reported that two assailants fired over 30 shots at the two teenagers before stealing their truck. In a final act of barbarity, one of the victims was run over with the stolen vehicle. While Luis Velez miraculously survived the initial onslaught and was hospitalized, Kace’s family was left to grapple with an unimaginable loss. Remembered as a beloved son and brother, Kace had graduated high school early and was looking forward to the milestone of walking the stage at the upcoming graduation ceremony.
A manhunt was launched for the individuals responsible for this heinous crime, with the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, Texas Rangers, and the U.S. Marshals Service all joining the effort. An 18-year-old, Diego Carlos Rodriguez, was publicly identified as a primary suspect, facing charges of capital murder. The U.S. Marshals issued a nationwide fugitive warrant for his arrest, warning that he should be considered armed and dangerous. While Kace's family has identified Rodriguez as one of the shooters, a second suspect remains unidentified. In a separate but proximate development, another teenager, 17-year-old Felizardo Torres Mascareno, was arrested on April 8th and charged with capital murder and aggravated robbery by the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office, though his direct involvement in Kace's death has not been officially confirmed. The search for Diego Rodriguez continues as a grieving community seeks justice for a life taken far too soon.
