(June 17, 2008)

FALFURRIAS--A judge has certified a Falfurrias teen to stand trial as an adult in a stabbing death from last month. Prosecutors said the 15-year old boy will face a murder charge and could spend the rest of life in prison, If convicted.

Residents said this case has divided the small town of Falfurrias. The victim's family said they want justice served for the death of J.J. Rodriguez.

"Overall, a great guy," said Ruth Cantu, who is talking about younger brother, J.J. Rodriguez. 

Cantu comes everyday to visit Rodriguez at the cemetery. She said the 19-year-old man was stabbed to death by 15-year-old Pedro Solis five weeks ago.

It happened at the Rodriguez family home when Solis was upset his girlfriend broke up with him because she had a crush on Rodriguez.

"It's not easy to accept you never going to see this person again in your life," said Cantu. "It's not an easy thing at all. I still can't believe it. I am still in shock."

Solis has been in juvenile custody since the murder on May 10. After several weeks of hearings, a judge certified the teen to stand trial as an adult.

"He took his life," said David Garcia, who is the Brooks County Attorney. "Unfortunately, he acted as an adult and he must face the consequences of an adult."

The Rodriguez family came to the hearing wearing these t-shirts to remember their loved one.

"I'm not going just die and people forget what happened," Cantu said. "He needs to pay for what he did."

Cantu said that's the least she can do for her younger brother. For now, all she can do is come to the cemetery, while the Solis family can still see him.

"His mother feels bad about what happened," said Cantu. "She gets to see her son, hold her son and talk to her son and he'll be out. We don't ever get to see my brother again."

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com