Three sentenced in violent murder of Houston woman lured from her job, body dumped in Colony Ridge

By
bbnewseditor
-

Three defendants have been sentenced in the tragic murder of Emily Patricia Rodriguez, who was senselessly killed in a remote area of Liberty County. The sentencing brings closure to a case that began with her being lured from her workplace under false pretenses.

Kevin Geovanny Rivera-Ortiz, Katherine Alvarez-Flores, and Joel Garcia-Martinez were charged with murder for their roles in the violent crime.

On Sep. 5, 2022, the defendants approached Ms. Rodriguez at Niko Niko’s Restaurant in Houston, convincing her to leave with them under the guise of socializing. They drove her to a secluded location near the intersection of CR 3550 and CR 5708 in the Colony Ridge/Plum Grove area of Cleveland, where she was fatally shot by two of the defendants.

Alvarez-Flores, Katherine
Garcia-Martinez, Joel
Rivera-Ortiz, Kevin Geovanny

When asked about the motive for the crime, District Attorney Jennifer Bergman said it remains unclear but is believed to be possibly gang-related. Rivera-Ortiz allegedly was the ex-boyfriend of Rodriguez, according to information shared by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office immediately following the crime.

The three co-defendants entered guilty pleas and received the following sentences:

  • Kevin Geovanny Rivera-Ortiz (Shooter): 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ)
  • Katherine Alvarez-Flores (Shooter): 50 years in TDCJ
  • Joel Garcia-Martinez (Driver): 30 years in TDCJ

Of the three, at least one is considered an illegal immigrant to the United States. Rivera-Ortiz has a hold for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The immigration status of Alvarez-Flores and Garcia-Martinez is unknown at this time.

District Attorney Bergman emphasized the importance of this resolution.

“While no punishment can ever fully account for the loss of Emily Patricia Rodriguez, these sentences provide her family with a sense of closure and justice. In Texas, a life sentence for murder is considered to be 60 years for parole purposes. By accepting a 50-year sentence, both Kevin Geovanny Rivera-Ortiz and Katherine Alvarez-Flores will serve significant time in prison,” Bergman said. “Importantly, their guilty pleas waive all rights to appeal, ensuring the family will not have to endure additional legal battles in the years to come. This resolution holds the defendants accountable while sparing Emily’s loved ones further pain.”

The Liberty County District Attorney’s Office expressed gratitude to the law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who worked tirelessly on the case and extended condolences to Ms. Rodriguez’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.

29 COMMENTS

  1. Colony Ridge is basically Mexico City in Liberty County. Republikkklans and Demorats continue to destroy this country because none of them honestly want secured borders. We can secure borders in Iraq and Afghanistan but we can’t secure our own borders. We need younger Politicians in there 30s or 40s running this country

  2. Should charge the Harris’s as an accessory to this murder.

    Colony Ridge needs to be bulldozed, and every wetback shipped the hell out. I remember when Plum Grove and the surrounding areas were like a Norman Rockwell painting- now you have to legitimately worry about getting ambushed out there- just like in lawless shithole Mexico. This filth didn’t come here for a better life- they came here to trash ours with their primitive ways.

    And local “leaders” haven’t done JACK SHIT about it!!!

    • @Sammy, The Harris family though didn’t “donate” $1.5 million to Biden and take him on an exotic deer hunting trip like they did for Abbott…. that, is the difference! Abbott and Knight have been up to their chinny-chin-chins in this Colony Ridge crap they helped to create! In fact, it appears quite a few Republicans have been tainted with Colony Ridge’s money and gifts and not a 1 of them has owned up to it or returned that dirty money they gleefully accepted! Just saying, I’m fed up with them all! 😐

  5. “The immigration status of the other two is unknown”

    Is that right… let me make a wild, unfounded assumption-

    THEY ARE FILTHY WETBACKS!

    • wow seems like to old racist ideology still thriving in America. I rather be a wetback than a racist pos. While i agree we need to remove criminals. We have a far worse problem in America with still deep seated racism towards our neighbors. Funny thing is alot of these posts those same people claim to be christian. This is not what Jesus is about.

  6. Stereotypes exist for a reason. Maybe if these wetbacks didn’t come inundate our country and commit a highly disproportionate amount of crime, we would be more welcoming.

    But personally- I’ve seen all I need to see from them in regard to how they act, their lack of morales and lack of respect, and propensity to commit crime and have total disregard for the very laws that make this a civil, desirable country to live in.

    The minority “decent ones” are negated by the majority criminal, ignorant scum.

    Ship them all out as far as I’m concerned- lest we become them.

  7. This is why our founding fathers wrote the immigration laws. People can come here and stay only if they become a citizen. During that time, they learn the history and the laws of America.

  14. Wow, I’m genuinely taken aback by some of the comments here. Let’s have an honest conversation because this level of hatred and division isn’t helping anyone—our country included.
    First off, America was built by immigrants. Every single one of us, unless we’re Indigenous, has roots elsewhere. Many of our ancestors faced similar hatred and accusations of being criminals or “unworthy.” Does that sound familiar? History has proven time and again that diversity strengthens us, not weakens us.
    Honestly, it feels like no matter what we Latinos do, some people will never fully accept them. Every group that’s come to America has faced blame or hate from those already here.
    Look at the Irish during the 1800s—they were called criminals and drunks. Italians were accused of being part of the mafia, and Asians were excluded entirely with laws like the Chinese Exclusion Act. Now it’s Latinos, being labeled as “the problem.”
    But let’s be real—this isn’t about crime or laws. It’s about needing someone to blame, and right now, they are the target. Instead of working together to fix systemic problems like poverty and broken policies, it’s easier for some to point fingers at a group that looks or speaks differently.
    The truth is, we’re here contributing to this country every day—working hard, raising families, paying taxes, and building communities. We deserve respect and dignity just like anyone else. Hate has never solved anything in America. Unity and understanding have. History shows that too.
    Secondly, crime and poverty are not exclusive to any one group. They’re often the result of systemic issues like lack of opportunity and resources. Immigrants don’t come here to destroy—they come to survive and build better lives, just like our families once did.
    And let’s talk about ethics. Blaming an entire group for the actions of a few isn’t just wrong—it’s lazy. Instead of pointing fingers, we should focus on real solutions: fixing broken immigration systems, improving education, and building communities where everyone can thrive.
    Lastly, I’m disappointed to see people claiming to be Christian while spewing hate. Christianity, like most faiths, teaches compassion, love, and treating others as we’d want to be treated. Is this hateful rhetoric what Jesus would stand for?
    We’re all Americans here. Let’s act like it. Respect each other, work together, and stop letting fear and prejudice divide us. This country has enough problems without us tearing each other down. Lets do better – I promise you, if you’re ever in need—whether you’re Black, White, or any other background—you’ll find that Latinos are the kind of people who will go out of their way to help. We’re the ones who will give you the shirt off our back, , without a second thought. That’s just who we are—kind, generous, and community-oriented. It’s a shame that kindness and hard work are so often overlooked or met with hate.
    I’m not against the idea of a wall or making it harder to cross the border—there should be a system in place, and it should be done right. But we shouldn’t punish those who came here seeking refuge and are already part of our communities. Many of them fled situations we can’t even imagine, and they’re here working hard, contributing, and building better lives for their families. We can have secure borders and compassion—it doesn’t have to be one or the other.
    To think about how frightened these kids must be at school, worrying if their parents will be deported or if they’ll be sent to a country they don’t even know—it just breaks my heart. No child should have to carry that kind of fear, especially when they’re just trying to learn and grow like any other kid. These are innocent children who deserve stability, love, and a chance to thrive without the constant shadow of uncertainty hanging over them.
    With much love and respect – Ash

    • Following the already established immigration law would have solved many of your stated concerns. Most people that speak about migrants forget the all important first part, illegal. Yes we all were migrants at some point, and we came LEGALLY from other countries. Following the laws and becoming productive citizens. Children’s fears are a direct result of their parents making poor choices and not following immigration laws. No other country on earth allows their borders to be breached like the US. You need to educate yourself on “seeking refuge”, it is called asylum and it clearly begins in the first Country you migrated to and applied BEFORE you step in to the US. If you were truly persecuted and in fear of your life before you came to the “land of freedom”, you would follow the laws already established. The left often states the immigration system is broken, no there are lazy government officials not enforcing the law(s).

      • Well said.

        These sympathizers always want to go to the “we’re all immigrants” argument.

        Difference is, our ancestors came with purpose, integrity… and made sacrifice to better their situation.

        These wetbacks don’t assimilate, don’t respect the laws or history, and certainly make shitty neighbors.

        As far as the “they are hard working” argument.. maybe some. The majority I live by are welfare leeches and thugs.

        In other words, that guy’s argument is based on assumptions and mostly feel good bullshit. He obviously doesn’t live next to these insects.

    • Ironic you are defending illegals, in the comments of an article about 3 who literally murdered a child- and there are tons more with the same animalistic nature.

      If they are such upstanding, family oriented people- then why do we suddenly have an uptick in crime in the areas they nest in. Why is there graffiti everywhere all of the sudden? Stray, starving animals everywhere, trash dumped everywhere they infest, guns and music in a residential neighborhood all night, Modelo cans all in the ditch, and they fly their Mexican flag here?

      That doesn’t sound like the type of people who are here to become Americans and live the American dream that our ancestors sacrificed so much to create. It sounds like ignorant, disrespectful thuggery to me.

      And you can save the “you were immigrants, too” argument. That’s true, but when our people came here for a better life- they worked for it- that means learning the language, adopting the values of the country, and having pride and respect for the land and it’s history. Not planting their native flag and being scum in a community where we are trying to raise decent kids.

      If it weren’t for the innovation of the White man, y’all would still be wearing banana leaves for underwear. So when people come here for a piece of the proverbial American pie, they need to respect the values and not act like entitled shitheads. Not skirt the tax system that provides the securities we all enjoy in America. Not bring and repeat the same behavior and mentality that allowed Mexico to fall into corruption and become a general lawless shithole.

      • “I was scrolling and noticed these hateful comments. Since no number or email was posted, how else would you like me to reach you?

        It’s fascinating how some people twist history to fit their narrative. The idea that all past immigrants came ‘legally’ and ‘assimilated’ perfectly is simply false. Many of our ancestors faced discrimination, were accused of being criminals, and were blamed for social problems—just as some of you are doing now. The difference? Over time, they proved their worth, just as many hardworking immigrants do today.

        The claim that immigration is solely about legality ignores the reality that laws have changed over time, often influenced by political agendas rather than morality or fairness. Seeking asylum is a legal process under international and U.S. law. The idea that every asylum seeker must apply in the first country they enter is misleading—many factors determine where someone can apply for asylum.

        And let’s be real: crime exists in all communities, regardless of immigration status. Blaming an entire group for crime, litter, or noise—while ignoring similar behavior from non-immigrants—is just selective outrage. If you have an issue with crime, advocate for better community policing and social programs. If you have an issue with poverty, support policies that promote economic growth and opportunity. But pretending that one group is the root of all problems is just lazy thinking.

        Also, the comment about ‘White innovation’ is laughable—every race and culture has contributed to human progress. If you’re going to talk about history, at least be accurate.

        At the end of the day, respect isn’t given to those who spew hate—it’s earned by those who stand for facts, fairness, and human dignity.

  15. Liberty county needs to make a sweep through the Minglewood Addition and Lynch Street. I’ve watched the drunken Hispanics that live in these neighborhoods “take over” with NO respect for the existing people living there and those that have lived there for generations, forcing them OUT because they couldn’t TAKE their loud music, loud cars and trucks, trashing those neighborhoods! I’ve witnessed Hispanics in and out of one of the houses, new people, all of the time, using this place as a “safe house” until they are transported elsewhere. I’ve seen a particular place acquire many vehicles, parking these vehicles along the street, their backyard. Several people driving the vehicles that are under age. People driving through the neighborhood flying Mexico’s flag. Check out the woman who has been running the “SNOWCONE” place in Liberty, makes for a GREAT COVER!

  16. I think that the USA needs to do a clean sweep on all criminals whether they are white, black, brown, or any color for that matter! Just like there is bad in a lot of mexican there is also a lot of bad in all races. You have drug addicts all over our streets which most of which are white men trying to find their next of kin to rape and then you have all the shooting all over the country in schools which the majority are white men. You see we can point fingers all day but at the end of the day all races have their bad and good so why do we see all the bad in mexican people. Me as an Mexican American i feel deeply offended because I have my people that came from Mexico more than 20 years ago and have been put on an extensive waiting list trying to do the right thing and get legal paying thousands of dollars while waiting for an amnesty to go through and still no luck! They pay their taxes just like everyone else! Why has this country gone extremely racist the last few years and where is the compassion?! I live in colony ridge and i am not a WETBACK like yall say! My grandfather fought in the Vietnam War and has never seen so much hate!!

    • Well then you are not who we are worried about.

      The problem is that most of the crime in this area has been committed by wetbacks. The county arrest records- especially in Montgomery county don’t lie. 19 out of 20 arrests for sexual crimes against children are beaners. That was a rarity before this scum moved here.

      Same with the noise, shooting, trash- degeneracy in general. If you feel offended, blame these illegals and the way they act- they give you decent folks a bad reputation. It’s not racism- it’s the verifiable truth.

      They come here and want to be part of a civilized society that your and my ancestors fought, sacrificed, and died for- then they need to act like it.

      • AMEN, Ryan, Sammy, Thoroughlygalaxy6, Donald J., J Blanchard, Dave and millions of Americans that feel the same way! We are ALL tired of this “LAWLESS BEHAVIOR!” GO BACK TO WHERE YOU CAME FROM! NO MORE SYMPATHY!

      • Well as someone who used to work in the criminal side of Liberty Co. you will not believe it but most of our cases that were rapists and children molesters and murderers were American and the mexicans, the majority were DWI’s so the real criminals against children are mostly American. Just thought I would give a little insight on that.

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