MESQUITE, Texas — Mesquite police are investigating a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a 38-year-old man Wednesday night in a business parking lot along Rodeo Center Boulevard. The incident unfolded late in the evening and drew a swift response from officers after multiple emergency calls reported a person lying on the ground with gunshot wounds.
According to the Mesquite Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Rodeo Center Boulevard at approximately 9:51 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. Callers told 9-1-1 dispatchers they saw a man who appeared to have been shot and was unresponsive. When officers arrived, they found an adult male suffering from serious gunshot injuries and immediately began life-saving efforts.
The victim was transported by emergency medical personnel to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Police identified the victim as Jose Rodriguez Jaquez, a 38-year-old Mesquite resident. Authorities have not released details about what led up to the shooting or how many shots were fired, as detectives continue working to piece together the events.
As part of the investigation, officers gathered witness statements and obtained a description of a suspect vehicle believed to be connected to the shooting. A short time later, police located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The driver was identified as Brian Maldonado, a 35-year-old man who also lives in Mesquite.
Police said Maldonado was initially arrested for a traffic violation after officers determined the vehicle did not have a required front license plate. As the investigation continued and additional evidence was reviewed, detectives added a charge of murder against Maldonado in connection with Jaquez’s death. He remains in custody as the case moves forward.
The Mesquite Police Department says the investigation is still active and ongoing. Detectives are continuing to interview witnesses, review surveillance footage from nearby businesses, and collect physical evidence from the scene. Authorities have not yet released information about a possible motive or whether the victim and suspect were known to each other.
Police are asking for the public’s help as they continue investigating the fatal shooting. Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Mesquite Police Department by calling 972-216-6237 or by emailing majorcrimes@mesquitepolice.org. Investigators say even small details could be important in helping them fully understand what happened and ensure justice is served.
