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'A cowardly act': Teen killed in drive-by shooting while she slept, Dallas police say

Crystal Rodriguez, 18, was shot in the back while she slept in her bedroom, shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to a police news release.

DALLAS — A teenager was killed in a drive-by shooting while she slept in her bedroom early Tuesday morning in Dallas, police said.

Crystal Rodriguez, 18, was shot in the back shortly before 2:30 a.m., according to a police news release.

Dallas Fire-Rescue took Rodriguez to a hospital, where she died.

Police said the shooting was a drive-by that happened in the 3200 block of Reynolds Avenue, near Dolphin Road and Interstate 30.

Police are still investigating the shooting. No motive has been identified.

Dallas police Chief Eddie Garcia expressed frustration Tuesday as police investigated the shooting.

“It was a cowardly act,” Garcia said. “When acts like this happen, I get angry, and we take it personal. I take it personal. The men and women of this department take it personal.”

Garcia said it was "too early to tell" if the shooting was targeted at the victim.

"Preliminarily, we’re not seeing any indication that it is," Garcia said. "However, as these investigations go that may change. But right now, we’re not seeing anything."

Garcia said at least one round went into the house. The number of suspects involved is unknown, the chief added.

“We know the type of individuals these are: Very violent individuals. Cowardly individuals. And we will find them,” Garcia said.

Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact homicide detective Abel Lopez at 214-671-3676 or by email at abel.lopez@dallascityhall.com.

Crime Stoppers will offer up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted by calling 214-373-TIPS (8477). 

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