1992 Murder Of NYC Health and Hospitals Police Captain James Rodriguez Gets New Attention
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Twenty years after James Rodriguez, captain of the New York City Health and Hospital Police Department was gunned down, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown has directed his investigators to review the case.
WCBS 880's Paul Murnane On The Story
Podcast
On March 26, 1992, 32-year-old Rodriguez came home to his Jackson Heights apartment. When he and a Bronx Community College classmate entered the lobby, they were mugged and in the process, Rodriguez was shot and bled to death, police said.
"Maybe someone will decide to say something that will point the finger even though it's anonymous," Rodriguez's mother Esther Morales told WCBS 880 reporter Paul Murnane outside One Police Plaza on Thursday.
Family and friends admitted that they're not aware of any new evidence. "I think we never give up hope. We just cannot give up hope that possibly now after all these years someone may know something or be willing to speak. Yes, I'm definitely hopeful that something will come of this," she said.
Kenneth Wynder, president of the Law Enforcement Employees Benevolent Association, says it's important because police lives are on the line.
"If there's any evidence that is left, there are new techniques and technologies that might allow..." asked Murnane.
"That might allow it to be opened or solved or some leads," said Wynder.
The family is also appealing to police commissioner Ray Kelly.
If you know anything about the case, please call New York City Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS. All tips will be kept confidential.
