Police Identify Orlando Shooting Suspect

Out-of-work former employee on shooting spree that injured 5 and killed 1.
Police Identify Orlando Shooting Suspect
The police have identified the suspect as Jason Rodriguez, who opened fire at a Orlando office tower with the help of the employees of the engineering firm. He was taken into custody several hours after his shooting spree. The employees recognized their co-worker, as he drew a handgun shooting his first victim dead. He unloaded several more rounds around the office that injured many at the office that had fired him over two years ago.

Rodriguez told the police the reason for his attack by saying, 'Because they left me to rot'. The 40 year old divorced Rodriguez has recently told a bankruptcy judge that he was making less than $30,000/year at a Subway sandwich shop. He has debts that are nearly $90,000. The slain victim has been identified as 26 year old Otis Beckford and who was hit by two bullets. The injured are recuperating and in a stable condition at Orlando hospitals.

According to his ex-wife's mother, America Holloway, Rodriguez and her daughter Neshby were married for 6½ years and have an 8 year old son. They lived with her for several years and was always fighting and yelling with Neshby. "I used to tell my daughter he was crazy," Holloway said. "He was always fighting, always yelling." He seldom met his son and when the child asked his father for the reason, Rodriguez answered, 'Because I don't have any money. I don't have a job. I don't have anything to eat. When things get better, I'll come see you,' according to Holloway.

Rodriguez was traced to his mother's home and was ordered to come out. The police said he came out peacefully and surrendered himself. He was apologizing as the officers handcuffed him, police said. "I'm just going through a tough time right now. I'm sorry," said Rodriguez as quoted by the officers. The police will be charging Jason Rodriguez with first degree murder and other crimes.

By Batul Nafisa Baxamusa
Published: 11/7/2009
 
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