Bus Stop Murder Coincidence - Who killed Michael Rodriguez?

A 23-year-old lay dead and a 52-year-old woman was critically injured in a mid-morning rush hour drive by shooting in the 500 block of N. Mission Road in Boyle Heights on Friday, July 20th. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was listed in stable condition. More information on her condition and whether she has been released from the hospital was not for this report. According to the Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Police are looking for two people in a dark Dodge Charger with temporary plates.

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The motive for Rodriguez’ murder,which has left friends and family shocked and searching for answers is unknown at this time. On the LAPD Blog, a commenter going by the online name Family of Mike writes:

 This was my nephew he was a good kid. We need justice for Michael, He didn't deserve to be killed. He was a father, son, grandson, nephew, brother, coach, friend and soon to be uncle...

Annette Gonzales, who is emphatic that this is not a gang related incident, writes:

 This is not a gang related case. This young man left behind a young son and a grieving family. We hope that this case continues to be investigated and the killers get put behind bars! Please help if you have any information and please lapd continue to investigate until these murderes are caught!

 Edmundo Jimenez echos Gonzales' insistence that Rodrigues was not involved in gang culture:

 I'm a friend of the family. Micheal was a good kid. He loved playing baseball and softball. I would help his dad coach teams that he had. And also played softball games with hIs dad. He was in no gangs. Well respective young man. We plead for help in finding this killer to justice.

Rodriguez' friends and family would know if gangs were involved. So what happened? Does this case have connection with the murder of another Michael Rodriguez, then 18, who was shot and killed near the Los Angeles River in 2007? The Michael Rodriguez who died in 2007 would have been the same age, 23, as the Rodriguez gunned down in July.

Two men, Randy Harp,29, and Luis Subia, 30, have been charged in the 2007 slaying and their cases are in  pre-trial phase in Los Angeles Superior Court. This reporter was only able to view the dockets for the case where both men are charged with first degree murder. A call to LAPD public relations revealed no new information about either case. 

According to court records index, Randy Harp, arrested in May 2000 and charged with robbery, receiving stolen property, and engaging in criminal gang activity. He was convicted of receiving stolen property and the  other two charges were dismissed. Based on a Court records index search, Luis Subia does not appear to have prior convictions or brushes with the law that lead to charges.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Hollenbeck Homicide Detectives Marin or Chavarria at (323) 342-8961 or (323) 342-8957.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).   Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”

http://projects.latimes.com/homicide/post/authorities-make-and-arrests-and-ask-help-solving-hoimcide-cases-2007/