It's been twenty-three years since Avondale police officers responded to a homicide case that had gone cold over the years. Since then, Desiree Rodriguez has been on the quest to find out what happened on that fateful day to her father.
On Feb. 5, 2001, during the wee hours, a shots-fired call came through the 911 dispatch regarding a shooting along 113th Avenue and Apache Street in Arizona. Upon arrival, they found the body of Benito Rodriguez, 20, on the ground. Though first responders attempted to save the victim’s life on the scene before rushing him to St. Joseph Hospital, he later succumbed to his wound.
During the investigation, witnesses told authorities the shooting stemmed from Rodriguez having been in an altercation with occupants of a red or maroon mini-van. Since then, investigators have exhausted every lead, and the case went cold.
Desiree Rodriguez, now 20 years old, is currently seeking to add her father's information to the unsolved cases of a website called “Silent Witness.”
“Ever since I received the death certificate and police report, it seems so real. While growing up I would sometimes cry, but I did not know why I was crying. Today, I realize that I do not cry because I am sad or because I miss him, but because of the unknown,” stated Desiree Rodriguez, reported Project Cold Case.
If anyone has information that would blow this case wide open, please contact the Avondale Police Department tip line at 623-333-7003. You can also remain anonymous and possibly still be eligible for a reward by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
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