Man Arrested for Tampering with Evidence in Connection to Fatal Shooting
Shooting Occurs in Red Bird Area
A 27-year-old father, DeElvin Smith, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the OK Food Mart on West Camp Wisdom Road, near Independence Drive, on January 26 at 7:35 p.m. Police were called to the scene and found Smith suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the location.
Investigation Ongoing
Dallas police are still investigating the shooting, but no arrest has been made in connection to the case, according to Corbin Rubinson, a police spokesperson.
Tampering with Evidence Charge
Nearly two weeks after the shooting, police arrested 37-year-old Joshua Rene Rodriguez on a charge of tampering with evidence. Rodriguez’s arrest was linked to the case after a 911 caller provided a vehicle license plate number registered to him, and he implicated himself in an interview with an investigator after an unrelated arrest, according to an arrest warrant affidavit.
Rodriguez’s Involvement
Rodriguez was booked into the Dallas County jail on February 7 and has since posted bond. It is unclear whether he has an attorney. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, Rodriguez was arrested on suspicion of criminal trespass on February 7. During an interview with an investigator, Rodriguez admitted to pocketing a nearby handgun Smith had dropped during the shooting and taking marijuana off his body. He stated that he "didn’t want [Smith] to get into trouble for the drugs and gun" in the event Smith survived the shooting.
Suspect Identified
Rodriguez’s affidavit identifies a man whom police suspect to be the gunman, but police have not made the suspect’s identity public, citing that he has not been arrested on a murder charge.
Community Mourns Smith’s Passing
Four days after the fatal shooting, Smith’s family and friends marked what would have been his 28th birthday in the parking lot of the OK Food Mart with a vigil and balloon release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to DeElvin Smith?
A: DeElvin Smith, a 27-year-old father, was fatally shot in the parking lot of the OK Food Mart on January 26.
Q: Who was arrested in connection to the case?
A: Joshua Rene Rodriguez, 37, was arrested on a charge of tampering with evidence.
Q: What is the current status of the investigation?
A: The investigation is ongoing, and no arrest has been made in connection to the case.
Q: Is the suspect’s identity publicly known?
A: No, the suspect’s identity is not publicly known because he has not been arrested on a murder charge.
