MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A South Florida father accused of fatally shooting a neighbor nearly nine years ago after the victim’s dog was trying to defecate in his son’s yard has been found guilty of second-degree murder and aggravated assault.
It’s a lesser sentence for Omar Rodriguez, 75, who was facing previous charges of premeditated murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Rodriguez chose not to testify at his trial, setting the stage for jurors to hear closing arguments Thursday afternoon.
Miami-Dade police said Rodriguez, then, 66, shot 52-year-old Jose Rey to death during an argument in the Kendall neighborhood on Father’s Day in June 2015.
Prosecutors said Rodriguez told Rey’s wife “you’re next,” after shooting her husband multiple times.
According to the police report, Rodriguez admitted that the dispute began when Rey’s dog tried to defecate in Rodriguez’s son’s yard.
Rodriguez told police that Rey was walking his dog when Rey told Rodriguez that “he would be returning to fight him.” Rodriguez said he took off his shirt and challenged Rey “to fight him now,” but Rey ignored him and walked home.
Later in the day, Rodriguez was waiting for Rey at a neighborhood gathering, where the two exchanged words, police said.
Rodriguez then walked outside, went to his car, pulled a gun out of his glove compartment and shot Rey, police said.
Authorities said he shot Rey three times, including once in the groin area.
“He was on the floor when he was shot the two last times,” prosecutor Maritza Clop Liriano said in court Thursday.
Rey’s wife told Miami-Dade County Judge Mindy Glazer that her husband underwent surgery at Kendall Regional Medical Center following the incident, but died more than a week later.
Police said neighbors had long-standing issues with Rodriguez, who was known as a “troublemaker,” so much so that his defense attorneys claim residents conspired with the police department to “get” Rodriguez and were fueled by hatred to do so.
“This case isn’t about puppies or dog poo. It’s about hatred -- absolute hatred,” attorney Bruce Lehr said.
Rodriguez requested immunity under Florida’s so-called “Stand Your Ground” law, however, a judge in 2015 ruled against that, saying he didn’t believe Rodriguez acted in self-defense.
Local 10 News heard from Lissette Rey, Jose Rey’s wife, who said she couldn’t wait to hear that Rodriguez was found guilty.
“It’s a long time waiting. Almost nine years waiting for justice for my husband,” she said. He was taken from us for no reason from what I call ‘a beast.’ He’s an animal. He shouldn’t be out in society.”'
“Right now, I’m at a loss for words. I’m so overwhelmed. I’m extremely happy,” added Lissette Rey.
Rodriguez’s sentencing is scheduled for June 3.
His defense attorneys say they will continue their fight in court.
A person convicted of second-degree murder can serve a minimum sentence of up to 16 years in prison but can also receive up to the statutory maximum of life in prison.
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