Man charged with murder after possible 16-year-old runaway found dead in wooded area in north Harris County, sheriff says

Police lights police tape 1

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – An 18-year-old was arrested and charged after a 16-year-old runaway’s body was discovered in a wooded area in north Harris County on Thursday.

Jonathan Rodriguez has since been charged with murder.

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On Thursday evening, deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office recovered the body of the runaway in the 18700 block of Imperial Valley near the Remington Ranch subdivision.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the body, which is believed to be that of a teenage boy who reportedly ran away on Oct. 16, appeared to have evidence of trauma.

Rodriguez has since been placed in the Harris County Jail.


About the Authors:

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.