Woman who found slain former KLAQ DJ’s body speaks with ABC-7

With tears in her eyes Alexis Dominguez tells ABC-7 Richard Mardrigal texted her Saturday afternoon to hang out.

What she didn’t know was that the next day she would be the one to find him dead in his apartment.

According to police Madrigal was shot by 31-year-old Leonel Hernandez.

According to court documents Hernandez shot Madrigal several times at the Terrace Hill apartments complex in west El Paso. A witness who saw the murder told police Hernandez was the killer.

Documents state when Hernandez was taken into custody he allegedly admitted to killing Madrigal.

“To me it was a blessing and a curse because I was able to be there for him but I can’t stop going through it in my head,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez and Madrigal had been friends for 13 years.

After several unanswered phone calls to Madrigal she knew something was wrong.

Dominguez found Madrigal at his apartment lifeless, shot several times.

“He was just so full of life and I can’t think of any person that didn’t love him. He was just so charismatic, just loving and fun and energetic. His energy is awesome,” Dominguez said.

As she looked through photos, Dominguez tells ABC-7 the former KLAQ radio DJ served in the U.S Navy and was ready to graduate with a marketing degree in December.

“He was just very dedicated to school right now. He was going full steam ahead just trying to get done,” Dominguez said.

Madrigal’s most recent job was at Destination El Paso an organization that promotes the city.

“He loved promoting El Paso. He loved meeting people all over El Paso making connections just finding all the great things in our city and just spreading that love,” Dominguez said.

Madrigal is survived by a seven-year-old daughter.

“Michala was just a huge inspiration to him. He did everything for Michala. He was such a good dad everything he did in life was for her. He was all about his daughter,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez tells ABC-7 what she will miss the most about Madrigal.

“Just his smile, his confidence, he was always so supportive of me and my daughter. I will just miss everything about him,” Dominguez said.

Two benefit shows will be held for Madrigal. The proceeds will go to his family.

The first will be at Six Strings Bar, June 24 beginning at 8 p.m.

The second show will be at Kings X June 25 beginning at 4 p.m.