Houston murder suspect turns himself in at small border town police department

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man who had been evading authorities for six months following a deadly shooting in north Houston turned himself in to the Donna Police Department on Wednesday afternoon, the department announced.

Roberto Madrigal, 30, is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and is awaiting extradition. According to a press release, “at approximately 3:20 p.m., a male subject entered the Donna Police Department wanting to turn himself into police.”

Madrigal was wanted for murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for the December 27, 2023, shooting of Jahmar Sampson and Rafael Smith at a business on Lee Road. Smith survived the shooting, but Sampson died a week later. The Houston Police Department stated the shooting was the result of an argument.

“This is wonderful news. Let’s get that correct,” Sampson’s mother, Rhonda Bailey, told. “This is beautiful news because now I can start healing.”

Donna police did not disclose whether Madrigal provided a reason for his surrender, but Sampson’s mother said she doesn’t need one.

“I guess he felt like he was in a box. He felt the walls closing in,” she said.

Bailey said Madrigal earned no points with her for turning himself in, and now she wants to see him stand trial. Sampson died two days after his 33rd birthday. He was her only child.

“I still think he (Madrigal) should get prison without parole. He deserves it,” Bailey said.