CUSTODY OF JUAN CARLOS GARCIA-RODRIGUEZ TRANSFERRED TO PASADENA POLICE DEPARTMENT; CHIEF OF POLICE ISSUES STATEMENT

(PASADENA, TX) August 23, 2023 – The custody of Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez has been transferred to the Pasadena Police Department, and he has been transported to their jail located at 1201 Davis St.

The suspect is accused of the brutal and senseless murder of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez, a case that has deeply affected the community and garnered national attention.

Chief of Police Josh Bruegger issued the following statement:

“The brutal and senseless murder of 11-year-old Maria Gonzalez affected many people in our community and across the nation. We stand in solidarity with the Gonzalez family and everyone affected by this tragic event.
Today, the suspect, Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez, is in custody and is being transported to the Pasadena Police Department this afternoon.

We want to take the time to thank our Federal partners, including the U.S.M.S. (United States Marshal Service) Gulf Coast Violent Offender and Fugitive Task Force, I.C.E. (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), and the Shreveport Police Department for helping locate, detain, and facilitate extradition.”

The Pasadena Police Department has expressed gratitude to federal agencies and other law enforcement bodies that assisted in apprehending and extraditing the suspect. The successful coordination highlights the collective efforts of multiple agencies working towards justice in this deeply unsettling case.

Further details regarding the legal process and the ongoing investigation will be made available by the appropriate authorities as the situation develops.