Authorities: Man Fatally Shot at Cockfight

CANTON — Authorities are continuing their investigation of a fatal shooting that reportedly occurred during a cockfight in Van Zandt County. Sunday morning around 3:30, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office responded to East Texas Medical Center in Athens in reference to a 21-year-old man who was brought in with a fatal gunshot wound. Henderson County contacted the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office when they learned the offense occurred at a residence off Farm Road 1861. Van Zandt County responded to the residence, where investigators were told that the victim, Luis Rodriguez of Athens, was at the residence during an illegal chicken fight when an argument occurred and the victim was fatally injured. Rodriguez was driven from the scene and taken to ETMC/Athens, where he was pronounced dead.

Authorities say numerous roosters along with fighting paraphernalia were seized at the location with the assistance of the S.P.C.A. of Texas. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers and the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate the incident.