Suspect in shooting death of 20-year-old mother turns himself in to police, DA says

HUDSON, Mass. — The suspect wanted in the shooting death of a 20-year-old mother turned himself in to police a day after the incident, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said.

According to authorities, 23-year-old Luis Santos turned himself in to police on Friday after the DA and Hudson Police had actively been searching for him.

Santos is accused of shooting and killing Karla Rodriguez, 20, of Framingham. Santos allegedly shot Rodriguez as she sat in her car in broad daylight near an elementary school.

She died at UMass Memorial Hospital in Worcester on Friday. As a mother of a young child, Rodriguez’s family is working with the Department of Children and Families to ensure they are placed in good hands.

Police said Santos, who was unknown to authorities prior to the shooting, fled the scene on foot after allegedly being with Rodriguez earlier. Authorities said the two were romantically involved for the past three months.

District Attorney Ryan said Santos allegedly shot and killed Rodriguez around 2 p.m. on Thursday after a disagreement on their way home. She said Rodriguez was driving, but it appears Santos was outside of the car when he shot her.

“Mr. Santos surrendered himself on a warrant," Ryan said. "I charged him with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, unlawful possession of a firearm, and armed assault with intent to murder,” Ryan said. “He’s also been charged with the murder of Rodriguez.”

Charges are expected to be upgraded following a complete report from the Office of the Medical Examiner.

Santos is scheduled for an arraignment on Monday in Marlborough District Court.

Santos’ family and friends said they’ve never had any issues with him. They said he’s a good brother, son, and grandson, and has always stayed out of trouble.

They also said they didn’t know Rodriguez that well.

© 2019 Cox Media Group