Romona Estrella Rodriguez, a 27-year-old Hispanic mother of four, was tragically killed on May 2, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. The incident occurred at the Oak Hills Village Apartments on Babcock Road in the Medical Center area. According to police records, Romona was shot multiple times following an argument with Darryl Johnson, who was later identified as the suspect. The argument reportedly stemmed from Johnson stealing a cell phone and chargers.
During the altercation, Romona and Johnson exited the apartment, and her roommate heard Romona pleading with Johnson, saying, "You don't have to do this," before several gunshots were fired.
Following the shooting, Johnson fled the scene with a second unidentified individual in a vehicle. The vehicle was later involved in a major accident near the apartment complex, and witnesses reported seeing the two individuals running from the location. Shortly after, Johnson returned to the apartment complex and was identified as the shooter by Romona's roommate. Johnson was arrested and found to have a bullet wound in his leg, which he claimed was from a previous incident. Investigators collected Johnson's clothing to verify if he had recently fired a weapon and found at least 11 bullet casings and several live rounds at the scene.
Darryl Johnson, who has a criminal history dating back to 2010, was charged with the murder of Romona Rodriguez. His criminal record includes arrests for resisting arrest, evading arrest, possessing a weapon as a felon, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and theft. In March 2021, he was arrested for resisting arrest and evading arrest and was released on bond. In October 2020, he was arrested for possessing a weapon as a felon and unauthorized use of a vehicle. In 2012, he entered a guilty plea for theft and was sent to prison.
In May 2024, Johnson was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of Romona Rodriguez. The sentencing took place in the 437th District Court, where emotions ran high as Romona's mother addressed the defendant, expressing her grief and anger over the loss of her daughter. Romona's family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses and to support her four children.
