Arrest made in Kaufman capital murder case, manhunt continues for second suspect
Apr 10, 2026
A 17-year-old suspect in the Kaufman County capital murder case was arrested Thursday as the manhunt continues for the other, according to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Marshals.
The suspect, Felizardo Torres Mascareno, alongside 18-year-old Diego Rodriguez, is accused of gunning
down two 18-year-olds on Friday, March 27. The shooting claimed the life of one teen and left the other critically injured.
Torres and Rodriguez are accused of firing more than 30 shots before stealing the victim’s truck and running over one of the victims.
Kace Leatherwood, 18, succumbed to his injuries. The sheriff’s office identified the second victim as 18-year-old Luis Velez, whose condition remains unknown.
Kace Leatherwood, third from the left, was killed March 28, 2026, in Kaufman County.
The shooting happened at about 10 p.m. in the area of County Roads 101 and 103 in Kaufman County.
Torres was booked into the Kaufman County Jail for capital murder by terror threat and aggravated robbery.
Since the shooting, the sheriff’s office has issued multiple warrants for Rodriguez’s arrest and has enlisted the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Marshals Service in the investigation.
Rodriguez is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs about 130 pounds, according to authorities. It is unclear if he’s believed to be driving the victim’s truck or whether authorities believe he left the country.
In a press release, the U.S. Marshals Service states: Do not attempt to apprehend this fugitive as he should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, please call 911 for immediate assistance.
Anyone with information on Rodriguez’s whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 202-307-9700 or the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-847-7522. The identities of tipsters will remain confidential, and anonymous tips may also be submitted via the U.S. Marshals Tip App.
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