The Tragic Midland Texas Shooting: 18-Year-Old James Baker Killed in High-Speed Chase Involving 36-Year-Old Roberto Pando

On June 1, 2026, a horrifying series of events unfolded in Midland, Texas, leaving 18-year-old James Baker dead and a local community in deep grief. According to investigators, 36-year-old Roberto Pando III pursued a Ford F-150 truck carrying Baker and four other young passengers. During the high-speed chase, Pando opened fire on the vehicle, sparking severe panic inside the cabin as the occupants desperately attempted to take cover from incoming gunfire.

The dangerous pursuit ended in disaster when the Ford F-150 lost control and crashed violently into a concrete wall near Loop 250. James Baker sustained a fatal gunshot wound and died at the scene, while the remaining four passengers suffered serious injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.

Key evidence collected by law enforcement—including Life360 location data and surrounding surveillance video—showed Pando driving at extreme speeds and intentionally cutting off Baker’s truck moments before the devastating impact. Authorities swiftly arrested Pando, charging him with murder alongside multiple felony counts related to the attack.

The senseless violence has sparked widespread outrage across Midland, as family members, friends, and local residents demand accountability for a tragedy that cost a young man his life and forever altered the lives of several others.