Rochel O'Neal Zuniga, a 28-year-old woman of Hispanic ethnicity from Odessa, Texas, tragically passed away on April 27, 2018, at her residence. Rochel was born on November 21, 1989, in McAllen, Texas, to Sylvia Rodriguez Farias. She worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the medical field and was a beloved daughter, sister, and mother to her daughter, Genesis Ayleen Zuniga.
Rochel's death was the result of a domestic violence incident.
She was in an on-and-off relationship with Jerome Nelson, who was considered her common-law husband. On the night of her death, Jerome Nelson called 911 to report that Rochel had died. When police arrived at the scene, they found Rochel holding a shotgun, and a revolver was found on the bed. Nelson claimed that during a confrontation, Rochel woke him by pointing a gun at his face, and when he took the gun from her, she grabbed a shotgun. Nelson then shot her with the revolver he had taken from her.
Jerome Nelson was later found guilty of Rochel's murder by an Ector County court in September 2021. He was sentenced to life in prison for the crime. Rochel's family has since been vocal about raising awareness of domestic violence and encouraging others to seek help if they are in abusive relationships.
Rochel's tragic death has left a lasting impact on her family and friends, who continue to honor her memory and advocate for domestic abuse awareness. Her twin sister, Symela Haun-Ruelas, and other family members have shared their experiences and messages of hope to help others in similar situations.
Rochel's story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating effects of domestic violence and the importance of supporting those who may be experiencing it.
