Houston Pastor Pedro Cantu Killed by His Own Roommate During Midnight Home Invasion

Houston Pastor Pedro Cantu Shot and Killed by Roommate During Home Burglary

Pastor Pedro Cantu, 62, the beloved lead pastor of Amor y Restauracion (Love and Restoration) church in Houston, Texas, was fatally shot at his home on Saturday, February 21, around 12:15 a.m. at 1233 South Kirkwood Road. Authorities say the shooting occurred during an attempted burglary.

According to court documents, 44 year old Rodney Dushaw Yoder broke through the front door window of the home. Cantu's 35 year old roommate, who has not been publicly identified, told police he was attempting to defend the residence when he accidentally shot the pastor while firing at the intruder.

Yoder reportedly told police he heard gunfire upon entering the home and saw the roommate holding a gun. He stated he grabbed the pastor's wife, believing it would prevent him from being shot, but was shot anyway. Yoder escaped without serious injuries and was later arrested and charged with burglary of a habitation in the 209th Criminal District Court.

The roommate requested legal representation and has not been charged. Both the Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Houston Police Department have declined to release additional details, citing the ongoing investigation.

Cantu and his wife, Leticia, immigrated from Mexico in July 1990 and had three daughters. They founded Love and Restoration church in 1991 after gathering families for worship and Bible study in their small apartment. Cantu also served as vice president of CMC Houston.

Investigation Continues Into Fatal Shooting of Houston Church Leader Pedro Cantu

His daughter Perla confirmed that her father did not own a gun. CMC Houston remembered him as

an example of faith, service, and love for community.

His wife Leticia shared a heartfelt tribute:

My husband loved you all deeply. He loved the church deeply.

The congregation continues to mourn the loss of a man who dedicated over three decades of his life to ministry and service in the Houston community.

The Crusader's Opinion

A man who spent 35 years building a church from nothing, who left everything in Mexico to serve God in a new country, is now dead in his own home. Not at the hands of a persecutor abroad, but because of a burglar who had no business breaking into a pastor's home, and a tragedy that unfolded in the chaos. Rodney Yoder then grabbed the pastor's wife as a human shield. Let that sink in. This man used a woman of God as a bargaining chip for his own survival. Evil does not knock politely. It kicks down doors at midnight. We pray for justice, for the Cantu family, and for the roommate who must live with this weight forever. But we also demand that our communities and our justice system treat violence against men and women of God with the gravity it deserves.

Take Action

• Pray: Lift up the Cantu family, their congregation at Amor y Restauracion church, and the Houston community as they grieve this devastating loss.
• Donate: Support the Cantu family and their church through this difficult time. Visit www.TheShepherdsShield.org to support persecuted and vulnerable Christian communities.
• Share: Post this story on social media to bring awareness to the tragedy and ask others to keep the Cantu family in their prayers.
• Speak Up: Contact the Harris County District Attorney's Office at (713) 274 5800 and urge them to ensure a thorough investigation and full accountability for Rodney Dushaw Yoder.
• Support Your Church: Talk to your pastor about home security resources for church leaders in your community. Many pastors serve in vulnerable situations with little protection.