Edinburg Man Convicted of Murder, Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison

EDINBURG – On September 19, 2025, a Hidalgo County jury found Miguel Angel Mujica, 40, of Edinburg, Texas, guilty of murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, Hidalgo County District Attorney Toribio “Terry” Palacios announced.

The punishment phase of the trial began on Monday, September 22, 2025. The same jury heard additional evidence related to sentencing.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that on October 7, 2021, officers with the Edinburg Police Department responded to an apartment complex on Mojave Street regarding a male victim who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound to the face. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, Milton Rodriguez, deceased on the pavement outside an apartment.

Over the course of a week-long trial, witnesses identified Mujica as the aggressor who brandished a handgun before a physical altercation ensued. The witness also reported hearing a gunshot while fleeing to get help for Rodriguez. Investigators recovered a sandal at the crime scene, which was later matched to Mujica through DNA analysis. A Glock 17 handgun was also recovered from Mujica at the time of his arrest on October 8, 2021. A ballistics expert confirmed that the firearm was the same weapon used to shoot Rodriguez, based on analysis of the bullet extracted during autopsy.

During the sentencing phase, the jury heard testimony regarding Mujica’s prior criminal history and emotional statements from a relative of Milton Rodriguez.

On September 24, 2025, the jury returned its punishment verdict, sentencing Mujica to 35 years in prison for murder and 4 years for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The sentences will run concurrently.

“It is always a tragedy when a life is taken unnecessarily and a family is left behind to pick up the pieces,” said District Attorney Palacios. “I hope this verdict brings some measure of closure to Milton’s family and serves as a reminder that our office, along with the people of this community, will not tolerate senseless acts of violence.”

The case was investigated by the Edinburg Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Nick Cuellar.