A Cuban teenager, aged 18, was taken into custody in Hialeah, facing charges of attempted second-degree murder following a shooting that transpired in the early hours of January 11.
Identified as Jason Alejandro Rodríguez, the suspect also faces two counts related to discharging a deadly object after allegedly firing shots at a vehicle occupied by two women.
Initially perceived as an act of vandalism, the incident escalated into a high-profile criminal case.
An Escalating Confrontation
The events unfolded around 2:20 a.m. on Sunday when Hialeah Police received a notification from Mount Sinai Hospital about a woman suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim, known as "Peña," sustained an arm injury and provided a statement to officers at the medical facility. She claimed the shooter was her companion's ex-boyfriend, who was driving the car.
Prior to the shooting, both women had thrown eggs at Rodríguez's residence. "Córdova," the other woman involved, corroborated this account in a separate, recorded affidavit.
The confrontation bore personal undertones, as Rodríguez was reportedly in a previous romantic relationship with Córdova. The provocation—egg and stone-throwing at his residence—was met with gunfire.
The Accused's Defense
Jason Alejandro Rodríguez was tracked down by officers shortly after the incident. In a subsequent voluntary statement, post-Miranda rights reading, Rodríguez claimed he was startled by the noise of objects hitting his vehicle. He said he felt something strike his chest and believed he saw a "green laser" targeting him, prompting him to fire at the departing car.
Rodríguez insisted he acted in self-defense, feeling threatened. He described his use of the firearm as an instinctive reaction to what he perceived as a potential armed threat. However, at the time, police lacked independent witnesses or footage to confirm or refute his account, leading to the initial release of all parties while the investigation unfolded.
Video Evidence Challenges Defense
The case took a significant turn when Hialeah Police Department detectives obtained surveillance footage from the area. The videos contradicted Rodríguez's narrative. According to the visual evidence:
- Rodríguez was not struck by eggs or stones.
- He exited his home after the objects had already been thrown.
- The women's vehicle was leaving the scene when Rodríguez fired his weapon.
- No evidence of any green laser pointing at him was found.
Additionally, cameras recorded him using his cellphone light to collect what appeared to be spent shell casings after the shooting before returning inside. For investigators, these details are decisive.
The actions of Rodríguez cannot be deemed self-defense, as no immediate or real threat to him or others existed at the time of the shooting. The report states, "The video evidence shows the accused provided an inaccurate statement in an attempt to justify the shooting."
Based on these findings, Jason Alejandro Rodríguez appeared at the Hialeah Police Department on January 12, where he was formally arrested and transferred to the county's detention system. The prosecution has charged him with two counts of attempted second-degree murder and two counts of firing a deadly object.
No bail has been set for the young Cuban, who faces potentially severe penalties under Florida's criminal law. Police have stressed to the public, "No act of vandalism justifies the use of lethal force, especially when there's no immediate threat," a spokesperson warned. "Taking the law into one's hands is not only illegal but can lead to tragic outcomes," they added.
Legal Implications and Self-Defense Claims in Florida
What charges is Jason Alejandro Rodríguez facing?
Jason Alejandro Rodríguez is charged with two counts of attempted second-degree murder and two counts for discharging a deadly object.
What evidence contradicted Rodríguez's self-defense claim?
Surveillance footage showed that Rodríguez was not hit by any objects, and the vehicle was leaving when he fired his weapon. No green laser was detected, challenging his self-defense narrative.
What did the police emphasize regarding the use of force?
The police emphasized that vandalism does not justify using lethal force, particularly in the absence of an immediate threat, and warned against taking the law into one's hands.