‘We hope to have him in custody soon’ | Manhunt continues for Dilley murder suspect, victim identified

SAN ANTONIO — A manhunt is underway for a man accused of murdering his cousin.

The murder happened overnight in Dilley, an hour southwest of San Antonio.

Frio County Sheriff Peter Salinas says the murder victim has been identified as 23 year-old Jeremy Benavidez from Dilley.

Sheriff Salinas says around 2 a.m. on Saturday, Dilley police, along with Frio County deputies, were called out to the 400 block of Curtis Street for shots fired.

“Once they arrived on scene, they found a male subject, who was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds,” said Sheriff Peter Salinas, Frio County Sheriff.

Sheriff Salinas say Benavidez was shot multiple times, in the stomach and back.

“The male subject did succumb to his, his wounds.  He was later identified as Jeremy Benavidez, 23 year-old, from Dilley,” said Sheriff Salinas.

Before Benavidez died from his injuries, Sheriff Salinas says Benavidez was able to tell authorities who shot him.

“While working the scene and speaking to witnesses, and anyone they could get a hold of, investigators were able to develop a suspect as 49 year-old, Rosendo Rodriguez, also of Dilley,” said Sheriff Salinas.

After the shooting, Sheriff Salinas says Rodriguez was seen on video about 2:30 a.m. at the Refuel Convenience store in Pearsall.

Rodriguez is described as 5′ 8″ and weighs about 175 pounds.  He has brown eyes, and black hair.  Rodriguez has a left prosthetic leg, and several tattoos on his arm.

Multiple agencies are assisting in the investigation, including the Texas Rangers, and they hope to have Rodriguez in custody soon.

“At this time they have, obtained an arrest warrant for the charge of murder, and are seeking him out at this time,” said Sheriff Salinas.

Authorities say Rodriguez is considered armed and dangerous.  Do not approach him.  

If you do have any information about where Rodriguez could be, your asked to contact the Frio County Sheriff’s Office.