POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigating the murder in unincorporated Bartow, have announced charges in the murder, and say more charges may be possible.
The suspect identified as 31-year-old Raul De Alejandro Rodriguez, Jr. has been charged with:
- First Degree Murder
- Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon
- Armed Burglary with a Firearm
- Tampering with a Witness
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
- Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon
The PCSO had been trying to investigate a relationship with a minor that De Alejandro Rodriguez has had since January of this year, but the victim and her mother have been uncooperative in that investigation.
The victim’s daughter, who De Alejandro Rodriguez was reportedly dating and having a sexual relationship with, is 17-years-old.
Based on evidence and witness statements during the investigation, of the murder, De Alejandro Rodriguez was involved in an argument with the victim about the suspect dating the victim’s daughter. De Alejandro Rodriguez then shot the victim with a shotgun and fled the area with the weapon.
When deputies detained De Alejandro Rodriguez, he was in possession of a single shotgun shell in his pocket and another in a bag.
“The responding deputies arrived so quickly that they were able to set-up a tight perimeter and the Aviation Unit easily spotted the suspect trying to get away; he was detained very quickly. The investigation is ongoing, and Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators are working hard to gather evidence and statements,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges against De Alejandro Rodriguez are possible.
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