Oklahoma Man Sentenced to 60 Years for Killing Girlfriend Outside Texas Roadhouse, Fleeing With Children

AMARILLO, TEXAS – A 33-year-old Oklahoma man will spend the next six decades behind bars after pleading guilty to murdering his girlfriend outside a Texas Roadhouse restaurant and fleeing with his two young daughters, authorities announced this week.

Deadly Argument Outside Restaurant

According to court documents reviewed by Law & Crime, Mario Alberto Rodriquez fatally shot Marisela Mendoza, 23, in the parking lot of a Texas Roadhouse in Amarillo on April 30, 2022, after a heated argument turned violent.

The couple, both from Oklahoma, had traveled separately to meet at the restaurant. Witnesses told investigators that Rodriquez pulled out a firearm and fired several shots at Mendoza during the confrontation.

Emergency responders found Mendoza suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds and rushed her to a hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

Amber Alert and Arrest

After the shooting, Rodriquez fled the scene with his two daughters, ages 5 and 8, prompting an Amber Alert across Texas and Oklahoma.

Police said Rodriquez drove to Hereford, Texas, where he was arrested hours later without incident. The Amber Alert was canceled once authorities confirmed that both children were found safe and unharmed in the care of relatives.

Charges and Sentence

Rodriquez was initially indicted by a Potter County grand jury in July 2022 for first-degree murder. He later pleaded guilty in exchange for a 60-year prison sentence, avoiding a potential trial scheduled for early 2026.

While awaiting trial in Texas, Rodriquez was briefly transferred to Texas County, Oklahoma, where he faced child neglect and domestic abuse charges that were later dismissed. He was then returned to Texas to face the murder case.

Remembering the Victim

Friends and family described Marisela Mendoza as a devoted mother and kindhearted woman whose life was cut short by senseless violence.

Local residents have since held community vigils outside the Amarillo restaurant in her memory.

Rodriquez will be eligible for parole after serving a portion of his sentence, but under Texas law, must complete at least 30 years before consideration. For ongoing court and community crime coverage, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.