Police have arrested a 21-year-old man allegedly connected with a Christmas Day homicide, marking the Garlic Capital’s third murder this year, according to a press release.
Investigators say Ernesto Rodriguez, of Gilroy, is a suspect in the murder of Alma Roque Ortega, 21, also of Gilroy.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, a family returned to their home on the 8100 block of Kelton Drive and found Ortega’s body in the bedroom – and their adult son, Rodriguez, missing, according to the press release.
Ortega did not live with Rodriguez, as he was prevented from contacting her through a protective order out of San Benito County.
“We are actively looking into their relationship,” said GPD Capt. Kurt Svardal. “That’s one of the things our detectives are investigating today.”
At approximately 8:22 a.m. Thursday morning, a patrol officer located Rodriguez in the area of the 8000 block of Kelton Drive and arrested him without incident, according to an updated press release.
Hours after Rodriguez was arrested Thursday, a group of three children were playing catch just a few houses down from the scene of the crime, while another young boy rode his scooter nearby before being whisked away by his father and told get inside.
Two other Gilroyans have been killed in the past year in separate homicide incidents.
A 30-year-old man, Jesse Emmanuel Silos, was gunned own in front of a home on the 7300 block of Chestnut Street April 3, which police say was “gang motivated.” And on Dec. 31, 2012, a 51-year-old man, Elpidio Morales Jr., lost his life after he was shot near the intersection of Old Gilroy and Alexander streets.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Gilroy Police Homicide Detective Mike Bolton (408) 846-0335. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-Crime).
This is a developing story. Check back soon for additional details.
