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Accident – Death – Obituary News :
The Tragic Incident in North Lubbock
A 27-year-old man, Abel Rosales Jr., faced justice on Thursday in a North Lubbock courtroom, where he received a 22-year prison sentence for his involvement in a fatal shooting that occurred over five years ago.
Abel Rosales Jr. stood before District Judge Douglas Freitag and pleaded guilty to the murder of Gabriel Rodriguez, which took place on September 12, 2018, in the 2800 block of Baylor Street in North Lubbock.
The murder charge carries a potential sentence of five years to life in prison, but as part of a plea agreement with the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office, Rosales accepted a 22-year prison term in exchange for his guilty plea.
Rosales, who has been incarcerated at the Lubbock County Detention Center since his arrest on September 14, 2018, will have to serve at least half of his sentence before being eligible for parole.
The Courtroom Proceedings
In addition to the murder charge, a charge of aggravated assault against Rosales was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
Rosales was one of two individuals arrested in connection with the murder case. His father, Abel Rosales Sr., aged 55, is currently awaiting trial while being held at the Lubbock County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
The charges against the Rosales father-son duo stemmed from a thorough investigation by the Lubbock Police Department, which began after receiving a report of shots fired at a residence in the 2800 block of Baylor Street.
The Tragic Events Unfold
According to court documents, the tragic incident involved Abel Rosales Jr. and his father entering the Rodriguez brothers’ home on Baylor Street. Upon entering, Rosales Jr. demanded information about a prior altercation involving his father.
Elias Rodriguez, Gabriel’s brother, recounted the events, stating that Rosales Jr. shot Gabriel in the chest after he stood up to confront him. Elias managed to escape harm as the gun malfunctioned while Rosales Jr. attempted to shoot him.
In a shocking turn of events, Abel Rosales Sr. proceeded to beat Elias with a steel jack handle before both intruders fled the scene. Tragically, Gabriel Rodriguez succumbed to his injuries and passed away at University Medical Center.
Lubbock police swiftly apprehended Abel Rosales Jr. on September 14, 2018, at a residence on East Broadway, while his father was found at a property on Cornell Street. Both men have been detained at the Lubbock County Detention Center with bonds set at $500,000 each.
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