Odessa, TX — Seven years ago today, West Texas experienced a tragedy that forever changed the communities of Odessa and Midland.
On Aug. 31, 2019, a traffic stop involving Texas Department of Public Safety troopers escalated into a mass shooting that stretched from Midland to Odessa. The gunman fired at law enforcement officers, motorists and other members of the public as he traveled through the area.
The attack ended near a movie theater in Odessa, where law enforcement officers confronted and killed the gunman.
Seven innocent people lost their lives:
Joe Griffith
Mary Granados
Edwin Peregrino
Rodolfo Arco
Kameron Brown
Raul Garcia
Leilah Hernandez
Leilah was just 15 years old.
More than 20 others were injured during the shooting, including law enforcement officers. Texas DPS later recognized troopers for acts of bravery during the attack, including their efforts to confront the gunman and direct motorists away from danger.
The tragedy left a lasting mark on West Texas and led Odessa to pursue a permanent memorial honoring those affected. City records show the August 31 memorial project was developed as a place of remembrance for the community.
Today, seven years later, Odessa is again remembering the victims, their families, survivors, first responders and everyone whose life was changed that day.
Seven names. Seven lives that remain part of West Texas history.
Odessa remembers.