James A. Alder, a 45-year-old resident of Mesquite, Texas, tragically lost his life on March 3, 2025. Alder, known to his family as Jamie, was born on November 18, 1979, in Toledo, Ohio. He was a beloved father, husband, and veteran who served four tours in Iraq. His passion for woodworking and science fiction endeared him to many.
Alder was killed in a shooting that authorities believe stemmed from a road rage incident.
The Mesquite Police Department responded to reports of gunfire on the service road of Interstate 30 at Gus Thomasson Road just before 6 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found Alder suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following an investigation, police identified and arrested 50-year-old Rodrick Hanson of Dallas, Texas, in connection with the shooting. Hanson was taken into custody at his home early on March 4, 2025. Authorities charged him with murder, though details regarding how investigators tracked him down remain undisclosed. The case is still under investigation.