[my_adsense_shortcode_1]
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A South Florida father accused of fatally shooting a neighbor just about 9 years in the past after the sufferer’s dog was once attempting to defecate in his son’s backyard has been found guilty of second-degree homicide and annoyed attack.
It’s a lesser sentence for Omar Rodriguez, 75, who was once going through earlier fees of premeditated homicide and annoyed attack with a perilous weapon.
Rodriguez selected now not to testify at his trial, atmosphere the level for jurors to pay attention last arguments Thursday afternoon.
Miami-Dade police mentioned Rodriguez, then, 66, shot 52-year-old Jose Rey to death throughout an issue within the Kendall community on Father’s Day in June 2015.
Prosecutors mentioned Rodriguez informed Rey’s spouse “you’re next,” after shooting her husband more than one instances.
According to the police document, Rodriguez admitted that the dispute started when Rey’s dog attempted to defecate in Rodriguez’s son’s backyard.
Rodriguez informed police that Rey was once strolling his dog when Rey informed Rodriguez that “he would be returning to fight him.” Rodriguez mentioned he took off his blouse and challenged Rey “to fight him now,” however Rey omitted him and walked house.
Later within the day, Rodriguez was once looking forward to Rey at a local accumulating, the place the 2 exchanged phrases, police mentioned.
Rodriguez then walked out of doors, went to his automobile, pulled a gun out of his glove compartment and shot Rey, police mentioned.
Authorities mentioned he shot Rey 3 times, together with as soon as within the groin space.
“He was on the floor when he was shot the two last times,” prosecutor Maritza Clop Liriano mentioned in court docket Thursday.
Rey’s spouse informed Miami-Dade County Judge Mindy Glazer that her husband underwent surgical procedure at Kendall Regional Medical Center following the incident, however died greater than every week later.
Police mentioned neighbors had long-standing problems with Rodriguez, who was once referred to as a “troublemaker,” such a lot in order that his protection lawyers declare citizens conspired with the police division to “get” Rodriguez and had been fueled by means of hatred to achieve this.
“This case isn’t about puppies or dog poo. It’s about hatred — absolute hatred,” lawyer Bruce Lehr mentioned.
Rodriguez asked immunity beneath Florida’s so-called “Stand Your Ground” regulation, on the other hand, a pass judgement on in 2015 dominated in opposition to that, pronouncing he didn’t consider Rodriguez acted in self-defense.
Local 10 News heard from Lissette Rey, Jose Rey’s spouse, who mentioned she couldn’t wait to pay attention that Rodriguez was once found guilty.
“It’s a long time waiting. Almost nine years waiting for justice for my husband,” she mentioned. He was once taken from us for no reason why from what I name ‘a beast.’ He’s an animal. He shouldn’t be out in society.”’
“Right now, I’m at a loss for words. I’m so overwhelmed. I’m extremely happy,” added Lissette Rey.
Rodriguez’s sentencing is scheduled for June 3.
His protection lawyers say they’ll proceed their struggle in court docket.
An individual convicted of second-degree homicide can serve a minimal sentence of up to 16 years in jail however too can obtain up to the statutory most of lifestyles in jail.
Live midday document:
Copyright 2024 by means of – All rights reserved.
