Pawned Xbox Links Suspect to 3 Slayings

DALLAS - Dallas police said they have made a connection between two fatal robberies thanks to hard work and surveillance video from a local pawn shop.

According to a release, 24-year-old Roderick Harris was arrested on March 17 after he allegedly broke into a mobile home in the 700 block of Cliffview Drive.

Police said he tried to rob the family inside but they only had $2 on hand. Harris shot and killed 45-year-old Alfredo Gallardo and 36-year-old Carlos Gallardo when they tried to defend their family, police said.

Police said Harris came bursting out of the mobile home and fired at officers who had arrived at the scene. Patrol officer Justin Bowen, in fear for his life, fired at Harris as he ran toward him.

He was taken into custody and treated at a local hospital.

Homicide detectives have since made a connection between Harris and an earlier fatal robbery.

Police said on March 3, three men forced their way into an apartment in the 300 block of N. Ewing Street. One of the men pointed a gun at an 11-month-old child’s head and demanded property, including an Xbox video game system.

Before leaving, the gunman shot three people in the apartment, killing one of them.

Police now think Harris that gunman, they said.

Detectives found the stolen Xbox at a nearby pawn shop. The store provided surveillance video of Harris with the game system and the same vehicle he allegedly used during the second fatal robbery.

He has been charged with three counts of capital murder and three counts of aggravated assault on a public servant.
 

• Victims Killed for $2, Say Police