In a court appearance on Thursday, 18-year-old Juan Carlos Garcia-Rodriguez faced charges of raping, strangling, and concealing 11-year-old María González. The alleged incident occurred on August 12, with the victim’s body found hidden in a plastic bag inside a laundry basket.

In a tragic turn of events, the lifeless body of González was discovered by her father at her residence in Pasadena, Texas. The heart-wrenching discovery occurred as he was making his way back home after a day of work. According to the Pasadena Police Department, Garcia-Rodriguez has been designated as a “person of interest” and is considered a primary suspect in the case.

The department has pointed to a key found at the girl’s residence as crucial evidence in their investigation. Last weekend, Rodriguez was apprehended by authorities in Shreveport, Louisiana, following charges of capital murder in connection with the girl’s death, as filed by officials in Harris County, Texas.

According to police, it has been revealed that Garcia-Rodriguez had been residing in the very same apartment complex where the victim was discovered prior to his untimely demise. In a recent development, García Rodríguez has been denied bail in the case.

Prosecutors have revealed that he voluntarily came forward, initially denying any involvement in the egregious incident. However, he later admitted to his participation.

According to reports, Garcia-Rodriguez has allegedly stated that he was coerced by two individuals of African American descent, who were armed, to carry out the sexual assault in question. It is important to note that if convicted, Garcia-Rodriguez could potentially face the death penalty.

In court documents obtained by the outlet, it has been revealed that María’s father, Carmelo, overheard García Rodríguez engaged in a phone conversation while he was departing for work. In a seemingly ordinary moment, Maria dutifully carried out the task of taking out the trash. In a casual exchange with her father, she referred to herself as ‘the neighbour with long hair’.

Without missing a beat, Carmelo, her father, proceeded to head off to work. At approximately 10:02 am, Carmelo was notified via WhatsApp by María that there was a person knocking on their door. In response, he promptly instructed his family members to investigate the situation. Upon arriving home at precisely 2:30 p.m., the individual made a chilling discovery.

Tragically, they stumbled upon the lifeless body of their daughter, concealed within a black garbage bag and discreetly placed inside a white laundry basket, which itself was carefully enveloped in yet another garbage bag. The victim’s body exhibited signs of blunt force trauma to the head and neck. In a surprising turn of events, Carmelo made a discovery that could potentially unlock a mystery. A silver key was found by Carmelo, lying on the ground.

According to Garcia-Rodriguez’s roommates, who were interviewed after speaking with neighbours, it was revealed that he had recently acquired a new job and was in the process of relocating. However, the roommates declined to surrender the key. According to their statement, they informed the police that they had been compelled to alter the locks.

Upon their return to the scene, Law Enforcement Officials requested the antiquated lock as well as the keys belonging to the roommates that corresponded with said lock. According to Fox News, García Rodríguez was said to have been drinking until the early morning hours on the day of the murder. Additionally, he denied being present at the scene of the crime.

In a significant development, bond has been denied for the man who stands accused of the heinous crimes of strangling and sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in Pasadena.

According to prosecutors, the individual claimed to be in the company of friends when he surrendered himself. However, these assertions were reportedly not substantiated by the testimonies of said friends.

An 18-year-old individual, who had been residing in the hotel complex for an extended period, was last spotted within the premises two days following a heinous murder. According to reports, it is believed that García Rodríguez entered the United States in January. In a daring move, he successfully crossed the border at El Paso, Texas.

The teenager, who was 17 years old at the time of crossing, is believed to have been released after voluntarily surrendering himself. In a recent development, detectives have made public a photograph of García Rodríguez, along with an appeal for information.

Additionally, they have announced a substantial reward of $5,000 for any leads that result in his arrest or charges. It is worth noting that Rodríguez has since been located and apprehended by authorities.

According to sources from the Department of Homeland Security, it has been reported to NewsNation that the individual in question is believed to have fled to Mexico prior to being apprehended by the police on August 19.

In a recent development, it has been reported that García Rodríguez, who had entered the United States, has been released from custody. This release was made possible due to the fact that Rodríguez had a sponsor located in Louisiana.

In a typical scenario, a sponsor willingly commits to offering accommodation or financial assistance to a migrant during the period of their processing and while their legal status is being determined. In an interview with Fox News, Carmelo revealed that the latest update he received from her was that he was “in bed.”

In a recent development, Carmelo has revealed that he received a message from Maria shortly after his departure. According to Carmelo, Maria informed him that there had been a series of knocks on the front door.

According to González, he informed her, saying, “Do not open the door as I am heading to work.” In response, she stated, “I am currently in my bed,” as reported by the outlet. According to law enforcement officials, it has been confirmed that there was no evidence of forced entry into the home.

In a recent development, it has been revealed that a father and his daughter have been residing in the apartment complex for approximately three months. In a report, it has been revealed that the mother of the young girl currently resides in Guatemala.

In a series of moves, Maria and her father have called multiple places home, including Austin, Texas, and Florida, before finally settling in Pasadena. According to police, Maria was not enrolled in the Pasadena Independent School District. In their ongoing investigation, the police have reportedly collected DNA samples from individuals residing in the compound.

However, authorities have encountered difficulties in obtaining cooperation from these individuals. In a significant influx, tens of thousands of immigrants have made their way into the United States via the El Paso border this year.

The ongoing crisis, which has spanned several years, reached its peak in December 2022 as the government made preparations to terminate the COVID-era Title 42 regulations, which had posed significant challenges for individuals seeking entry into the country.

Numerous individuals present themselves to authorities and undergo processing before being released. Many individuals are anticipated to make court appearances in the future as part of a legal procedure aimed at determining their status.