More Charges Added In 2021 Shooting Of Bronx Man In Rockland

STONY POINT, NY — A Rockland County man faces more charges after he was accused of shooting and killing someone three years ago and setting that person’s car on fire with the victim in it.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said Tuesday that Robert Rodriguez, 36, of Stony Point, was arraigned after being indicted by a grand jury.

He was charged with second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second-degree arson, tampering with physical evidence and concealment of a human corpse, all felonies.

Rodriguez was originally charged with second-degree murder when he was arrested Feb. 9.

Prosecutors said, on the evening of Feb. 15, 2021, Rodriguez shot Ronald Mann of the Bronx on the property of Rodriguez’s home on Call Hollow Road in Haverstraw.

Rodriguez then drove Mann’s grey 2021 Hyundai Sonata with his body inside to Exit 16 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in the town of Stony Point.

After parking the car in a snowbank off the side of the road near Exit 16 in the early morning hours of Feb. 16, 2021, Rodriguez doused Mann’s car in gasoline and set the car on fire with Mann’s body still inside the car.

Rodriguez then fled the area.

Mann’s body was found after the Stony Point Fire Department extinguished the fire.

An extensive investigation was led by the New York State Police, which ultimately led to the arrest of Rodriguez Feb. 9.

He was sent to the Rockland County Jail and indicted by the grand jury Feb. 14.

Walsh said the indictment was a crucial step in the pursuit of justice for the victim.

“As alleged, the defendant’s actions on that day resulted in the tragic death of the victim,” he said. “This case shows any individual who commits a heinous crime that you will be held fully accountable under the law.”

SEE ALSO:

• Police Seek Public's Help On Fatal Palisades Parkway Crash, Fire
• Rockland Man Accused Of Murder Over 2021 Snowbank Car Fire