Burglary suspect used pastor’s wife as human shield, prosecutors say

Posted For: MugsMalone

The quiet routine of nightly prayers turned tragic for 62-year-old Pedro Cantu and his wife early Saturday morning, when their west Houston home was shattered by the sound of pounding at the door — and then, gunfire.

On Thursday, prosecutors outlined the allegations in a packed Houston courtroom as 44-year-old Rodney Dushaw Yoder appeared before a judge.

According to investigators, Cantu and his wife were in bed praying, as they did every night, when loud banging began at the front door. Cantu went to check on the noise while his wife put on her nightgown. Moments later, she heard glass shatter — followed by a gunshot. Cantu’s daughter, who was upstairs with her infant child, also heard the commotion. She told authorities she called 911 while hiding in a closet.

Cantu’s wife said she entered the living room and found her husband on the floor. She told investigators that Yoder grabbed her arm and attempted to drag her toward a bedroom, but she resisted.

Police said Yoder later claimed he tried to use her as a shield, believing the gunfire would stop if he held her in front of him. When the shooting continued, authorities say he released her, jumped out of a bedroom window, and fled.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows Yoder outside the home before breaking through the glass front door. Investigators said he was struck by gunfire during the incident but survived. He is charged with burglary of a habitation. Court observers noted he appeared unsteady as he was led out of the courtroom.

Defense attorney David Ryan said he does not anticipate the charge being upgraded.

“We do not believe there is a murder here,” Ryan said. “My client wishes to express his condolences to the pastor, his family, and the congregation.”

Court records show Yoder has prior convictions, including aggravated assault, family violence, evading arrest, and violating protective orders. Prosecutors have asked that he be held without bond, describing him as a danger to the public. A judge is expected to make that decision at a hearing next week.

Investigators said Cantu was accidentally shot by his 35-year-old roommate during the confrontation. He was transported to a hospital in Katy, where he later died.

Remembering Pedro Cantu

Family members said Cantu served for about 30 years as pastor of Amor & Restauracion Church. They described him as a peaceful and devoted leader who cared deeply for his congregation.

A day after his death, hundreds gathered at the church for a prayer service honoring his life and legacy. The sanctuary was filled with family, friends, and church members who prayed, sang, and shared memories.

During the service, Cantu’s wife addressed the congregation in Spanish.

“My husband loved you all deeply,” she said. “He loved the church deeply. I never heard him speak ill of anyone. He loved you all sincerely.”

In a written statement, his daughter, Perla Cantu, emphasized that her father did not own a firearm.

“I want people to know that my father was a peaceful man,” she said. “He did not own a firearm, regardless of what you may have heard.”

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