2010-04-17 Jose Israel Rodas

Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Brutal Murder of Borger Woman

Jose Israel Rodas was sentenced to 45 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering his former girlfriend, Gloria Arias, inside her Borger apartment.

Arias’ son discovered her body when he returned home from work early on April 18, 2010. The 36-year-old woman was found inside her home at the Henryetta Apartments in the 500 block of West Second Street.^[1]

An autopsy determined that Arias had been stabbed more than 60 times and suffered a crushed skull. Police said she had wounds throughout her body.

Investigators quickly focused on Rodas, who lived in a neighboring apartment. Police said a trail of blood led from Arias’ apartment to his residence.

Rodas and Arias met online and became romantically involved. Rodas moved to Borger and briefly lived with Arias before relocating to the apartment next door. According to 84th District Attorney Mark Snider, Arias ended their relationship about a week before her death.

Snider said Rodas had been drinking when he went to Arias’ apartment on April 17. He became upset and attacked her.

Rodas fled after the killing. Authorities captured him three days later in the canyons northwest of Borger following a search involving multiple law-enforcement agencies and a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter.

A Hutchinson County grand jury indicted Rodas on a murder charge later that year. He ultimately pleaded guilty and waived his rights to a jury trial and an appeal as part of a plea agreement.

Visiting 316th District Judge David Gleason sentenced Rodas immediately after accepting his plea. Arias’ family approved the 45-year sentence, Snider said.

Arias’ three children addressed Rodas in court after he was sentenced, expressing their anger over their mother’s murder. Borger police detectives who investigated the case also attended the hearing.