A man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend outside a Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Amarillo, Texas. Mario Alberto Rodriquez, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of murder in the shooting death of 23-year-old Marisela Mendoza in 2022. The sentencing took place in Potter County, where Judge Steven Denny imposed the 60-year sentence. The tragic incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. on April 30, 2022, when an argument between Rodriquez and Mendoza escalated in the restaurant’s parking lot, leading to the fatal shooting, as reported by KVII, FOX Carolina, and KFDA.
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Eyewitness Cathlina King, who was dining at the restaurant with her children during the incident, described the harrowing experience of hearing the gunshots and witnessing the aftermath. Following the shooting, Rodriquez fled the scene with two young girls in a gray Dodge Charger, triggering an AMBER Alert. Fortunately, the children were unharmed, and Rodriquez was apprehended near Hereford, Texas, a few hours later. The AMBER Alert was subsequently canceled.
Apart from the murder charge, court records revealed that Rodriquez had faced additional legal troubles prior to the tragic event. In 2021, he was charged with child neglect and domestic abuse – assault and battery in the presence of a child in Oklahoma. These charges were later dismissed in 2025. Rodriquez’s guilty plea in the murder case brought a resolution to the Texas court proceedings, averting a trial that was scheduled for 2026.
The community’s response to the shooting reflected shock and concern, with King expressing fear over the proximity of the violence to her and her children. She shared her thoughts on social media, highlighting the need for heightened personal security measures in light of the incident. The tragic episode serves as a reminder of the impact of domestic disputes and the importance of conflict resolution to prevent such devastating outcomes.
The sentencing of Rodriquez to 60 years in prison signifies a measure of justice for the victim, Marisela Mendoza, whose life was tragically cut short in the violent altercation. The swift legal proceedings and guilty plea underscore the severity of the crime committed by Rodriquez and the gravity of its consequences. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, the focus shifts towards healing and supporting those affected by the loss of Mendoza.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of addressing domestic disputes peacefully and seeking help to prevent tragic outcomes. The court’s decision to impose a significant sentence on Rodriquez reflects the justice system’s commitment to holding perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions. The memory of Marisela Mendoza lives on, as her loved ones seek solace and closure in the wake of this senseless act of violence.