On September 13, 2023, 30-year-old Mercedes Young was fatally shot in a residence on Alexander Avenue in Texarkana, Texas. Upon arrival, officers found Young inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Rodney Jerel Lindley, fled the scene before police arrived. Investigators secured a warrant for Lindley’s arrest the night of Young’s murder.
He was taken into police custody and booked into the Bi-State Jail on the morning of Thursday, November 30. No bond was set at the time of publication.
According to reports, Young was allegedly staying at a house owned by a relative who was incarcerated in a nearby jurisdiction, so she could help care for her children. Lindley was reportedly living in the home as well and in a dating relationship with Young’s relative. A witness who was with Young during the day before the shooting told investigators that she and Young were on their way back to the Alexander Avenue house when Young received a call from her children. About halfway through the call, Young allegedly changed her tone and had a heated discussion with someone the witness speculated was Lindley based on what they were saying about the children. When Young arrived back at the house, she and Lindley, who was outside, allegedly began arguing and calling each other names before Young went into the house. Lindley allegedly followed her, and the arguing continued until there was a loud noise and the arguing stopped. After the witness heard the noise, she entered the house and found Young suffering from a gunshot wound but still moving on the bathroom floor with her two children there in a panic. Lindley allegedly left the house with four of six children who had been inside at the time of the gunplay. He allegedly told the witness to call 911 and said something along the lines of "she caused this" before driving away.
Lindley now faces murder charges in connection with Young's death. If convicted, he could face a sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life in a Texas prison. His bail has been set at $1 million.
A hearing for Lindley has been scheduled for December 2024 in Bowie County, Texas. The case continues to develop as the legal process unfolds.
