Authorities say the child was nearby when a confrontation outside a West Canino Road home turned deadly.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A toddler was unharmed after the child’s 17-year-old mother and 29-year-old uncle were fatally shot during a confrontation outside their north Harris County home, authorities said.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said the shooting happened Sunday morning in the 200 block of West Canino Road. Investigators allege the teen’s former boyfriend, 19-year-old Angel Javier Rodriguez, opened fire after approaching the home with a handgun. He was later arrested and charged with capital murder.
Authorities said the teenager had stepped outside the trailer home with her toddler and was handing the child to a family member when Rodriguez arrived. An argument or confrontation followed, investigators said. The teen’s older brother came outside and attempted to de-escalate the encounter.
The brother moved between his sister and Rodriguez in an effort to protect her, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators allege Rodriguez then shot both siblings multiple times. Deputies responding at about 10:50 a.m. found them wounded outside the home, and both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The toddler was not struck. Authorities said the victims’ mother and other relatives were also nearby. Investigators believe Rodriguez fired toward several people, including the mother, but no additional injuries were reported.
Sheriff’s officials said the family cooperated with investigators while dealing with the loss of two relatives. The sheriff’s office had not publicly identified the siblings as of Monday. Neighbors told local reporters they remembered seeing the teen caring for her daughter and described the deaths as heartbreaking.
Investigators said Rodriguez was the father of the toddler. The sheriff’s office was still working to determine when and why the relationship between Rodriguez and the teen ended. Officials had not announced a motive beyond describing the shooting as connected to a family or domestic disturbance.
Rodriguez left the scene in a vehicle, authorities said. Deputies later located him near Will Clayton Parkway in Humble and took him into custody without incident. Investigators also said they believe they recovered the weapon used in the shooting.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the case showed how quickly domestic disputes can become deadly. Authorities continued interviewing relatives and other witnesses, searching for surveillance recordings and reviewing evidence collected from the home and the arrest location.
Rodriguez remains accused of capital murder and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The sheriff’s office had not released additional information about his next court appearance or whether further charges could be filed as the investigation continued Monday.
Author note: Last updated July 27, 2026.