Rodriguez investigation continues

Nahomi Rodriguez

Special to the NEWS

Nine years ago, 19-year-old Nahomi Rodriguez of San Benito finished her shift at a McDonald’s in Harlingen and was never seen alive again. The case of her disappearance and murder remains open and under active investigation.

On the night of July 17, 2016, Nahomi called her mother at 12:30 a.m. after finishing her shift at the McDonald’s located at 602 N. 77 Sunshine Strip, letting her know she had secured a ride home. Surveillance footage later showed Nahomi getting into a man’s SUV at approximately 1:30 a.m.

That was the last time she was seen alive.

Nearly a year later, in April 2017, skeletal remains were discovered near a canal along Centerline Road and FM 106 in Rio Hondo. DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Rodriguez.

The Cameron County District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the Harlingen Police Department and the Texas Rangers, remains steadfast in seeking justice for Nahomi, read a press release from the Cameron County DA’s office. The case continues to receive attention and resources, with investigators urging anyone with information to come forward.

“This case continues to weigh heavily on our hearts,” said Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz.

“We have not forgotten Nahomi. Our office and our law enforcement partners remain committed to uncovering the truth. We will not stop until we can give Nahomi’s family the answers they deserve. Someone out there knows what happened — and it’s time to come forward.”

The public’s assistance is crucial in solving this case, he adds. Law enforcement encourages anyone with information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to come forward.

“We rely on the community to help us bring justice,” Saenz added. “If you know something, say something. Nahomi and her family deserve closure.”

Anyone who may have information about the disappearance or murder of Rodriguez is encouraged to contact the Harlingen Police Department or Cameron County Crime Stoppers at (956) 350-5551. All tips will be anonymous and stay anonymous, said Saenz.

Two years ago, authorities identified a person of interest in the murder who was already behind bars for a different crime. That individual was named as the number one suspect by Saenz as the county attempted to build a solid case against the career criminal.

The suspect was imprisoned at the Clemons detention center in Brazoria, Texas, where he is serving time for multiple aggravated robberies in both Cameron and Willacy County. The suspect also has an aggravated kidnapping on his record from 2003.

“This is a case we never stopped working on, and everyone on our staff is dedicated to finding justice for Nahomi,” said Saenz at the time of the announcement. “We still have work to do on the case, so we have to limit the information we can let out, but we’re continuing to build a case against this suspect.”

Rodriguez’s case garnered national attention with Nancy Grace and other prominent anchors sharing the story. The family of Nahomi organized several vigils while constantly asking the public for help in finding the missing teen.

About a year after Rodriguez went missing, a farmer on the outskirts of Rio Hondo uncovered a set of bones wrapped up and buried on his property. The remains were later identified as Rodriguez.

“We didn’t stop looking for her, and we won’t stop until justice is fully served,” said Enedina Sanchez, Nahomi’s aunt. “We’re thankful for the continued efforts of the media and law enforcement, and we look forward to this case being closed.”