Ismael Nabarrette Rios Jr., a 32-year-old man from Odessa, Texas, tragically passed away on January 18, 2015, at Medical Center Hospital. He was born on November 22, 1982, to Mary Nabarrette and Ismael Valenzuela Rios. Ismael was known for his easygoing nature, sense of humor, and his love for his family. He worked as a recertification technician at Tilley's Pressure Test and was a member of the Latter Rain Worship Center.
The circumstances surrounding Ismael's death were the result of a
violent incident. On the evening of January 18, 2015, Ismael was fatally shot near the doorway of a residence at the Third Edition Apartments in Odessa. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The incident occurred after an argument that escalated, leading to the shooting.
Following the incident, police investigations led to the arrest of Marko Angel Mendoza, who was identified as the shooter. Mendoza was a passenger in a Cadillac along with the driver, Manuel Garcia-Carbajal, and another man. Mendoza exited the vehicle, fired several shots at Ismael, and then returned to the car before fleeing the scene. The police were able to trace the vehicle and arrest Mendoza.
In May 2018, Marko Angel Mendoza was found guilty of first-degree murder for the killing of Ismael Rios Jr. He was sentenced to 53 years in prison and fined $10,000. Mendoza will be eligible for parole after serving half of his sentence. Manuel Garcia-Carbajal, the driver of the vehicle, was not indicted on the charge of murder but was convicted of two counts of endangering a child and evading arrest.
Ismael Rios Jr.'s death left a significant impact on his family and the community. He is remembered fondly by his wife, Rachel Rivera Rios, and his children: Ismael Rios III, Nicholas Rios, Briana Rios, and another child on the way, Zaniel Lincoln Rios. His brothers, Jeremy Rios and Tomas Madrid, and his sister, Maria Dolores Rios, also mourn his loss.
Ismael's legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew him and the love he had for his family. His tragic death serves as a reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of community support in times of grief.
