Woman Tragically Killed as Rock Shatters Car Windshield in Front of Her Boyfriend

Sarina Rodriguez, 25, was tragically killed after a rock was hurled through her windshield on a Southern California highway, and the search for her killer remains ongoing. The incident took place on October 8 as Sarina and her boyfriend, Franko Martinez, were driving home to Lancaster. The couple was traveling along Highway 138, east of Highway 18 in the Antelope Valley, around 12:10 a.m. when the tragedy occurred.

Martinez recalled the terrifying moment when he heard a sudden popping sound and saw Sarina, who was behind the wheel, lose consciousness. Acting quickly, he grabbed the steering wheel to stop the vehicle safely. It was then that he noticed a hole in their windshield. Somewhere along the highway, a suspect had thrown a rock, which shattered the glass and struck Sarina, killing her instantly.

After pulling over, Martinez immediately contacted authorities. Despite an extensive search of the area, no suspects were located. Martinez recounted to KTLA’s Shelby Nelson that he saw another vehicle passing in the opposite direction just before the rock hit. “Before we got to the bend, a vehicle with headlights came, and then [I heard] a pop noise,” he explained to The Independent.

It remains unclear whether the rock was thrown from a passing vehicle or if someone standing on the roadside was responsible. Authorities are investigating both possibilities. This incident follows a similar attack just two days earlier on October 6, when another driver reported being hit by a rock in the same area around 11:30 p.m., injuring two people.

On October 10, the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station reported that a suspect, Alexander Veloz, had been arrested for allegedly throwing rocks at vehicles on the same morning that Sarina was killed. However, investigators have not yet confirmed whether Veloz is linked to Sarina’s case or the earlier incident. His arrest took place near Avenue F and Sierra Highway, over 40 miles from where Sarina was struck.

Sarina’s family is devastated by the loss of their beloved daughter and sister. “She was just so happy,” her sister Sylvia Perez shared. “My sister was full of life.” Her father, Danny Rodriguez, echoed these sentiments, saying, “She was a lot of joy.” The family is left grappling with unanswered questions and hopes the person responsible will be brought to justice soon. “I just want to see justice,” Danny said. Her brother, George Rodriguez, added, “She is something that we can never get back. I really hope they find the [suspect].”

To honor Sarina’s memory, her family plans to place a large wooden cross near the site of the incident. A GoFundMe page has also been set up to assist the Rodriguez family with funeral expenses. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. “Please inform the authorities of any suspicious activity in the area because it’s time to catch this person,” a loved one urged.

The California Highway Patrol Southern Division Major Crimes Unit and the CHP Antelope Valley Area are actively investigating these incidents. Detectives are appealing to the community for assistance. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the California Highway Patrol at 323-259-3200.