GLENDALE, AZ – An Arizona man was convicted this week of first-degree murder in the shooting death of his ex-girlfriend, following a violent confrontation that left two others wounded and a community reeling.

Jordin Miranda Castillo, 20, was inside her third-floor Glendale apartment last June when her former partner, Rueben Rocha, scaled her balcony and smashed his way through a glass door. Castillo’s desperate pleas for Rocha to leave were captured in a frantic 911 call, moments before tragedy struck.

Authorities said Rocha arrived dressed in dark clothing, wearing a face mask and hoodie, and quickly escalated the situation. Castillo, whose two-year-old daughter was inside the apartment at the time, could be heard warning that she had secured an order of protection against Rocha.

As Castillo tried to deter her ex, Rocha produced a firearm and opened fire inside the residence, shooting Castillo and also injuring two of her friends who were visiting. Castillo was fatally hit, while her friends survived their wounds.

Investigators believe the assault stemmed from an online argument between Castillo and Rocha, referencing what they called a “social media drama.” Police described Rocha’s actions as premeditated, noting the protective clothing and mask he wore to conceal his identity during the attack.

One of Castillo’s friends managed to shield the young child by hiding in the bathroom while the gunfire erupted. Authorities later confirmed there were no prior reports of domestic violence between Castillo and Rocha, making the sudden violence even more shocking.

Rocha fled the scene but surrendered to police soon after. He was subsequently charged and, following his trial, found guilty of murder, aggravated assault, burglary, and disorderly conduct.

Castillo’s family and friends remembered her as a resilient and caring young mother, vowing that her daughter would always know of her strength and spirit. The loss has reverberated throughout Glendale, with community members expressing disbelief over how quickly a domestic conflict turned deadly.

With the conclusion of the trial, authorities hope the conviction brings some measure of closure to those affected by the incident. Rocha is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20.