In Las Vegas, a significant update has emerged. On Friday, the relatives of a woman discovered deceased in a residence earlier this week shared their endeavors to honor her memory with 8 News Now.
“She radiated joy,” Mariana Rodriguez remarked. “Wearing a grin.”
Rodriguez reflects on a life taken too soon, expressing all the things she will cherish about her daughter, 26-year-old Marisela Rodriguez.
A mother of three was discovered deceased in a residence close to Rancho Drive and Oakey Boulevard on Sunday.
A resident in Las Vegas found Rodriguez in a bedroom following a house party the night before, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police’s statement to 8 News Now. The Clark County Coroner has determined that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head.
Mariana Rodriguez recounted the chilling moment she realized something was terribly amiss when communication with her daughter ceased, leading her to the unsettling crime scene.
“I sensed it and thought, ‘that’s my child in that home,’” she remembered. “The following day, I received a call, and they informed me that it was my daughter.”
A 23-year-old individual named Steven Flores was taken into custody on Thursday in Dolan Springs, near Kingman, Arizona, related to the ongoing investigation.
Court documents reveal that he is charged with open murder involving a deadly weapon. His transfer to Las Vegas is awaiting final approval.
“The feeling,” Mariana Rodriguez expressed. “It’s significant to realize that there was already an individual in custody.”
Rodriguez expressed that her family is striving for closure, yet they are currently facing challenges with funeral expenses.
“This came as a surprise to us,” she remarked. “It’s quite challenging.”
She mentioned that those who cherished Marisela the most are leaning on one another as they navigate their grief over her passing.
“You believe you’re the only one facing this,” Rodriguez wrapped up. “However, that’s not the case.”
Marisela’s family is organizing two fundraising events to gather funds for her funeral and burial costs.
A car wash event is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. at 4884 E. Lake Mead Boulevard, where donations will be welcomed.
A second fundraising event is scheduled to take place at the same venue on March 2. The event will kick off with music and food at 10:00 a.m.
A GoFundMe account named “Help Alejandro lay his daughter to rest” has been established by her family.