The Homicide Report

A story for every victim

The Homicide Report

Michael Raymond Rodriguez, 23

July 20, 2012

Michael Rodriguez, a 23-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Friday, July 20, in the 500 block of North Mission Road in Boyle Heights, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Rodriguez and a woman were standing on a street corner when they were shot at from a car, authorities said.

Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The woman was listed in critical condition at a hospital.

In connection with the case, the Los Angeles Police Department said officers are looking for two people in a dark Dodge Charger with temporary license plates.

Police are unsure if the shooting was gang-related, but an investigation is ongoing, officials said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) 527-3247. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Melissa Leu

Share a memory or thought about Michael Raymond Rodriguez

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

185 reader comments

Police are not the bad guys here. It is hard to do their job because of its nature, but if people would stop doing bad things they would have less work to do. Blame bad people and their bad behavior. Police also have to deal with hostile attitudes towards them spearheaded by gang bangers, other thugs, and gangster rap. You have generations of kids being indoctrinated by the awful music promoting the hatred towards the police. Seems like most young people have their ears plugged with headphones. I wonder what they are listening to???? Teach kids to respect authority then maybe we wouldn't have the US against them war with the police. In all professions we have some crooked police, but we have some really bad people. Look at police chases on tv. Some idiot makes you chase him, them, or her at high speeds and for long distances and then you expect them to be gentle. You have pissed them off. I could never be a police officer because I could not Jack up a person being a little butt whole towards me.

— pamela barnes Aug. 20, 2013 at 12:03 a.m.

Uncle Sam
i bet you assumed this because it happend in boyle heights...well people are tired of ignorant people like you!!!
our community might be ghetto but best believe we have had some tought struggles.... we need to put a stop to all this street violance and we need to stand up to L.A.P.D !!!they need to start doing there jon right!!!!!... its easy for them to say it was gang related and closed cased but no we need to catch the people respondible for it!!!! i lost my brother 2 years ago and they still dont find the person who did it!!!how sad they cant even do their job right!!!! thats why f_ck the system.... instead of rating party and harrasing innocent people l.a.p.d start doing your job and help us tax payer keep our community safe!!!!!

Rest in peace to this guy and am so sorry for your loss to the family!!!!

— f...unclesam Aug. 19, 2013 at 5:33 p.m.

After reading comments on this site and a few other ones this murder seems to be personal and not gang related, but the shooter and Michael's so called friend staged everything to make it look like a gang related murder. To shoot someone 10 times is over kill, this has to be a personal hit. To empty out all 10+1 rounds from a magazine into someone isn't normal or random. This had to be a well organized murder. Gang bangers can't think that far ahead. According to the news report both suspects wore mask,temp plates, gloves and I bet the shooter had a brass catcher or collected the bullet casings, I can't help but think this was a planned murder or could it be a murder in the heat of the moment. Besides coaching did Michael have a job how was he supporting his 2 year old kid. What about the baby's mom could she be involved too or was his murder a message to someone else a friend or family member telling them we got to him we can also get to you or was Michael fooling around with someones girls friend or wife, that alone can trigger someone to snap

— Raul Jan. 20, 2013 at 1:03 a.m.

If only you jerks knew my brother !!!!!
Have you even seen him? Have you talked to him? If only your knew . I would know my own my brother !!!!! He's not much older than me we would hang out together he would hang put with me and my friends . And would always be with family . He just happened to be in the wrong place at the at the wrong time.
Only god should tale lives away.

Please share

How many people can help use share this page? We ask that you help us share it. We believe that there is someone out there that will come forward with information on Mikes murder. Please help us get his story out. And thank you to all the people that liked, shared and commented on this page.

Anyone with information about the shooting of Michael Rodriguez is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) 527-3247. or (800) 222-8477

Copy and Paste this link to your FB Status to share his page

Thank you and God Bless

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Rodriguez/480110325347652

And I believe the detectives are doing there job . Once again who are you people ? Have you talked to the detectives like we have been ? I think not .
Have a nice day and for bless.

— sister Dec. 28, 2012 at 7:07 p.m.

Did Michael have social media sites? Or a cell phone? Anything that the police can dig deep into to search for any valuable information? Any 23 year old has some sort of digital fingerprints. It's interesting that it's known that a 45 year old woman lead Michael to her ex boyfriend's house. Where was this information discovered from? And you can't tell me that a 45 year old woman associating with a 23 year old male is something that is considered in the norm. Her mentality sparks an interest in my mind because it's rather juvenile and stands out to me. Why would a 45 year old woman who just met a 23 year old male lead him anywhere? I can see that maybe Michael was a little too trusting in this scenario and perhaps this woman claimed she was in danger or in need of something. Still, how is it coincidental that Michael came to this area; did not have a ride home provided for him, and happened to "bump" into this woman who lead him somewhere, or who ultimately was the last person to see him alive right before his death? Something stinks here. Also premeditated if you ask me, especially knowing that the area has a high crime rate with gang affiliation. What are the police doing? Because there seems to be no information on this woman, these friends, or any form of communication evidence that leads up to a conclusion as to why this happened. If you have ever seen something like, "I Know What You Did Last Summer," then it should stick out in your mind for one reason only. Friends who are associated with committing a crime/murder, and helping each other to cover it up.

— crossxroads Sept. 22, 2012 at 4:26 p.m.

I think the focus should shift from the discussion and tinkering ideas of gang bangers to why he was in that area to begin with; who lead him there, and what this woman who survived saw. More speculation of the smaller details vs. the discussion of gang affiliation. If he was not affiliated in a gang, perhaps we need to broaden the horizon about what the motive was for his death. Is it a senseless act of cold blooded murder? Or was someone jealous of him? Was someone harboring resentment towards him over something? We need to look at all possibilities here, not just one. Or this case is never going to be solved. More often than not the person murdered is usually murdered by someone close to them; someone that the victim trusted. Do a little digging and look outside the box. He may be a decent human being and may have had a lot of loved ones and friends, but someone out there knows something more. Whomever knew that he was invited somewhere-how did they know this? How was it known he was waiting for a bus home? Someone had communication with him prior to the events leading up to his death.

— crossxroads Sept. 16, 2012 at 9:15 p.m.

He went to an unfamiliar territory with someone who invited him. Where is this person who invited him? Does anyone know who this person is? Has this person been contacted? Identified? And then this friend leaves Michael there, alone. Michael is trying to get on a bus to get back home. He meets a 52 year old woman while trying to find this bus to get home. Somewhere in this scenario, someone shoots and kills him. But the woman survives. Where is the friend that invited him? How can no one know, among the large circle of friends and with today's social media sites, txt, etc. the details of what exactly occurred and why? AND, what about this 52 year old woman? She survived. Has anyone heard her story? Her witnessing of the crime? What has she said since this happened? I'm just curious. Trying to piece together the parts that don't make sense. Especially with how it was known he was looking for a bus to get on in the first place. So someone had to have had contact with him either by phone or txt. Who was the last person to talk to him before he was killed? How is it known he was waiting for a bus? And how do you have so many friends yet no one knows anything more about who he was with and why he was in that area?

— crossxroads Sept. 16, 2012 at 8:49 p.m.

Has anyone stopped to think about why Michael was hanging around with or talking to a 52 year old woman? Was the area he was killed at located near the presumed bus stop that he was trying to get on to reach home? I was also curious why, if invited by a friend to go there, the friend was not with him nor did that friend help him get back home. And why would Michael be ok with being dropped off or left in an unknown area that he was not familiar with? Forgive me for any assumptions, but if you grow up or live in BH, are you not aware of the continuous violence that occurs there? Would you not be aware of your surroundings, especially in an area that is unfamiliar to you? If the shooter(s) got out of their car and walked up to Michael-and the concern being about the woman maybe being the target-why was he fatally shot and killed and she survived? If she was the target, they would have made sure she was also dead. Anyone can be a bright, uplifting, positive person in the community. It does not exclude you from coming across a handful of bad seeded people. And sometimes those people are wolves in sheep's clothing. My ex husband is very trusting of new people that he meets, and of old people that he has befriended over the years. Each night he is at a new spot with a new person he doesn't really know. I worry that he will wind up dead one of these days-not because he is in a gang (he is not), but because there are people out there that make poor decisions and are the wrong people to cross; those types of people are quick to demand respect and also quick to take out anyone that doesn't fulfill that request. Does not mean they are in a gang. Somewhere in that circle of having so many friends and knowing so many people, there is someone..or more than one person..who knows something that is not being shared. Perhaps there are certain facts that aren't being brought to attention.

— crossxroads Sept. 16, 2012 at 8:48 p.m.

Kandice,
How am I "praying on the misfortunes of others"? Do you know what that phrase really means? It's actually "preying", did you know that? Your general misuse of words tells me a lot. I asked Jake to clarify his comment and he did. Then you asked me a question and I answered. You inserted yourself in the conversation, remember? Do you actually care about any of the people in these reports? It appears you are only interested in picking apart the people who comment, and inserting your own misdiagnosis of them. You used this for a paper or something? Sounds to me like you are the one "preying on the misfortunes of others". Maybe you should get an adult to preview your paper before you turn it in. Oh but you aren't reading this, right?

— Kandice Sept. 14, 2012 at 1:31 p.m.

Well Mr. Syscom,
I am glad that you are healthy...because of this site carry on. Like I said....I came on here to get some info and that's all. I have no interst in staying on this blog, and you answered your own question but that's niether here nor there as I really don't have an interest in anyone's daily interest. Why would you be interested in looking at a map of the dead from several ways??? That is obsessive but on the other hand...whatever keeps you off the streets and sitting at home I'm all for. Now carry on and if you should read about me one day on this blog...cause you never know, feel free to reach out and drop me a line or two and if there is an after life I'll be sure to get back in touch with you. As for now enjoy, partake, live it well do whatever makes you feel good after all that's what this blog is about isn't it...

— Kandice Sept. 14, 2012 at 12:30 a.m.

Ms. Lee,

You come on here to find what is happening in your city...I think that is sad! To come on to the homicide blog to find out who died really? How does that make your day? I don't get it but I don't like this blog and used it for a paper for class...however, I do find if interesting that your interest extend beyond your own neighborhood and prays on the misfortune of others, glad you have something to look forward too. Oh and by the way....why again are you so far up whats his names rear that you know what he had for lunch? What benefit do you get out of getting in the fight? But you really dont have to answer I won't be back I just thought that it was intersting that you put yourself right in the middle with no dog in the fight....after all he is a grown man/woman capable of taking care of his own words. Have a wonderful time getting satisfaction from the killing of those so far beyond your neighborhood.

— Kandice Sept. 13, 2012 at 11:38 p.m.

@Kandice from Coto de Caza,
No, I really don't notice how much time syscom3 or others spend on this blog. I am not a doctor, so I cannot diagnose someone with OCD, so sorry, I don't agree with you on that. Like I said, I come here to find out what is happening in my city. My interests extend beyond my own neighborhood. I am fascinated by different social economic areas. I also like reading about these cases and where they go beyond the homicide report. I don't get why you have "mixed feelings" about that. My neighborhood is one of the best in Los Angeles and I am fortunate just as much if not more than you. Maybe you live in a bubble, but I like looking beyond where I live. I know I'm not the only pebble on the beach.

— Ms. Lee Sept. 10, 2012 at 7:44 p.m.

— Kandice from Coto de Caza ; how can you deduce my time on this blog by the number of posts? I really would like to know your statistical methods in determining how much time I spend here.

I read the LA Times news section on a daily basis and come over here to see whats going on. Usually, if I see something that piques my interest, I will write something. And I will tell you that the supplied map is really fascinating for me. I am trying to figure out the deadliest neighborhood in LA and will spend several minutes a day looking at it from various perspectives.

One thing I can guarantee you of, is my total lack of interest in network TV, sports programming and other gossip dominated media sites. I consider myself to be well informed because of what sites I do go to, and what tripe I avoid. Would you consider someone who religiously watches their favorite sports team, or TV program also as being "obsessive"?

I am kind of honored that you take an interest in my well being. But don't worry about it. I've stopped eating junk food while reading this blog and am healthier because of it.

And I am a "he".

— syscom3 Sept. 8, 2012 at 10:20 p.m.

Ms. Lee,
Have you paid any attention to the amount of time this man/woman spends on this blog? This is my second visit here in about six maybe seven months...this person spends a number of hours on this blog. His right but you have to agree that at some point in becomes an obsession and this blog is not something that one would want to visit all that often at least I wouldn't think that someone who has a full filling life ouside of this blog would be here so much but thats my opinon from afar. Besides why so much interest? Do you have a dog in this fight? Sorry about the eveyday reference...I see you visit often, I also have mixed feelings over the fact that you must visit this blog to get info on your area. I visit my newspaper too but I find the fun stuff not this sad stuff but I do consider myself very fortunate I don't have to live where I have to visit the death blog to get an update on where I live.

— Kandice from Coto de Caza Sept. 7, 2012 at 11:09 p.m.

Syscom3,
So sorry I was using words that you just might understand with your junior college education. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings (doesn't feel good does it). Look I have no intention of getting into this with you...it would be like trying to get Romney to release his taxes you just don't get it. You have not changed the world and really no one of substance is even interested in what you have to say. The people you reach on this blog is limited but hey if it makes you feel better go for it. I would rather you self medicate here and take your short comings out here on this blog then pick up a gun and shoot a bunch of innocent people so go ahead make your day continue to preach to deaf and blocked ears. After all whatever makes you feel better as long it doesn't phusically hurt any one...and if coming on here pointing out short comings on this blog helps with your emotional and mental issues who am I to say stop it! By the way hostility is one sign of a socipath or sociopath...just saying.

— Jake Sept. 5, 2012 at 11:28 p.m.

Jake, you said a lot, so let me break it down into some basic paragraphs (which you forgot to do).

“….. Because a mother or sister comes on to this blog and writes a few nice comments about the dead you jump all over her, …… about what an ugly person he was? … ”

Because this is the HR report, not the obituaries. No one should come here expecting sympathies or condolences when the deceased was a criminal.

“ … Why go on and on being a bully (for lack of a better word)? …. “

Since when is telling the truth to someone, be considered “bullying”? You’re using a newly minted PC term that is intended to stifle debate. I don’t think you even know what bullying truly is.

“ … What do you get out of the nasty comments you write on this blog? And yes come to think of it…do you realize your audience on this blog as BH Res stated? … “

I would like to think that others and myself, are the first people to actually tell these gang familes and their enablers the truth of the matter. As for the audience demographics, that is the LA Times concern, not mine.

“ … What happened to you that makes you fill superior to these victims/statistics? Why all the hostility? … “

Law abiding people should be hostile to these gangsters and criminals. You disagree with that? I am also a bit peeved that these gangsters cost society a lot of money in all parts of the criminal justice system. It isnt cheap to imprison them for mutiple decades when their vile crimes catch up to them. I also get a tad upset when these barbarians shoot the wrong person and that family now has to suffer.

“ … your definition of sociopath is wrong too. … Sociopaths have the following traits: glibness and superficial charm, manipulative and conning, grandiose sense of self, pathological lying, lack of remorse shame or guilt, shallow emotions, incapacity for love, need for stimulation, callousness/lack of empathy, … “

Yup, sounds like a gangster to me. Barbarians with no good social redeming qualities. Should I call them “psychopaths” instead? Now what parts of gang life am I supposed to celebrate? Their desire to murder people? Their desire to intimidate and terrorize their neighbors and cities? Their graffiti?

“I know it will be filled with big words…"

The thesaurus is your friend. Makes for better writing. Did they teach that to you in Jr. High?

— syscom3 Sept. 3, 2012 at 5:44 p.m.

@Jake,
I am trying to wrap my head around what you wrote. Why does Syscom3 have to forgive anyone? The families are to be forgiven? For what? For not paying attention to their son/daughter while they run the streets and join gangs? Syscom3 states the truth. Loved ones who don't want to see that don't have to read this blog. I never understand the people who come on here and DEMAND comments about the deceased be positive and uplifting. This is not a memorial blog. Most of the traits you listed for sociopaths sound like gang members to me. They can fly under the radar for a while before they get in trouble. Yes some do join to gain a family they are lacking. They can still be a sociopath with those traits you listed. The traits you put in all caps sound like a gang leader to me. Why are you defending them? I think that is the bigger question.

— Ms. Lee Sept. 1, 2012 at 2:06 p.m.

Syscom3,
You stated that forgiveness is for the living not the dead but yet you offer no forgiveness to the families of the dead. Why? Because a mother or sister comes on to this blog and writes a few nice comments about the dead you jump all over her, why? Where is your forgiveness for the mother or sister? Why not just say I do not have the ability or desire to forgive your child/brother/husband he does not deserve it, but I extend my forgiveness to you for his life style choices? Why go on and on about what an ugly person he was? Why go on and on being a bully (for lack of a better word)? What do you get out of the nasty comments you write on this blog? And yes come to think of it…do you realize your audience on this blog as BH Res stated? You have to at some point acknowledge that your audience is/are the very people that you cannot stand! What happened to you that makes you fill superior to these victims/statistics? Why all the hostility? By the way I am new to this blog my first entry but your definition of sociopath is wrong too. These gang members do not fall into the category of sociopath, most a high majority would not fall into that psychological category, he/she would not be considered as lacking a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience by psychological definition. As a matter of fact most gang members join gangs in order to fill a void not found at home or within his own family. Sociopaths have the following traits: glibness and superficial charm, manipulative and conning, grandiose sense of self, pathological lying, lack of remorse shame or guilt, shallow emotions, incapacity for love, need for stimulation, callousness/lack of empathy, and on the high level of sociopath…are the following does not perceive that anything is wrong with them, authoritarian, paranoid, ONLY RARELY IN DIFFICULTY WITH THE LAW, BUT SEEKS OUT SITUATIONS WHERE THEIR TYRANNICAL BEHAVIOR WILL BE TOLERATED, CONDONED, OR ADMIRED, incapable of real human attachment to another. Thus most gang members do not fall within that category. I await your response and look forward to what you have to say…I know it will be filled with big words…and a whole lot of EXTREME NARCISSIM AND GRANDIOSE STATEMENTS….to be continued I’m sure.

— Jake Sept. 1, 2012 at 5:47 a.m.

BH Res,

Fair enough. I agree that we disagree. I will add one more point should you choose to at least give it thought...

Perhaps someone has been visiting just one too many deceased friends on here. Is it possible that it finally hits too close to home that they may be next and finally push that person to change their lifestyle? They do provide updates on this site and many times conclude that the suspects have been captured and could provide closure to interested parties.

With everything else said, I suppose I could settle to the fact that most people who visit this site unfortunately view it as nothing more than entertainment. As sad as that sounds, that's what the world has come to. That would also add fuel to your opinion that it really doesn't add value to society as a whole.

However, even with that, I still hold hope that the slight percentage of result could possibly add value and that's where we will ultimately disagree.

Stay safe out there and good luck on your report!!!

RIP Mike, and let's pray they catch the coward(s) that ended his life too soon.

— mightymike33tm3 Aug. 30, 2012 at 3:11 p.m.

mr. Mike,

I have had to come on this blog for the past two maybe three weeks for work, this blog has no social value. Your audience that you could reach with this blog isn't the one that would tend to vote let along change habits...on that we can agree due to the fact that elections have come and gone and the same people have been elected with out change, so that's not an argument but fact. The audience for that is not coming on to this blog and seeking out change on this blog. As for right words or wrong words there is no doubt that the truth hurts on that we agree, but as far as change goes this isn't the audience for that change. The business people, the unelected community leaders and elected community leaders are not coming on to this page. I agree that change needs to come to areas but it isn't going to happen on these pages here. But I am almost done with this blog and probably will not be visiting again anytime soon. I needed it for another report and it has served its value for that one again insofar as I no longer have to go to several different areas for the information that I needed. So with that in mind, thank you for your point of view I did nothine to enlighten you and you did not change my mind on the value of this blog. One last moment of your time...we are not talking about this young man who died, we are taking up space on this blog to address a general issue. Even if we did write his name at all, it was never followed up with and a suspect in the shooting of...was arrested and bail set at??? Again, this blog has never contibuted to the solving of a crime and even if it did...what good has the words written on this blog served? I mean couldn't we get a weekly update without the ability to leave a few words? What value are the words?

— BH Res Aug. 30, 2012 at 12:24 a.m.

I'M BACKK!!!! Long vacation but hey when you have things better in life to do then you tend to stay away from blogging...Now on to business...I see that Syscom3 is still at it and I see that his hatred for gang members has not declined...I'm still trying to figure out who this character that we call Syscom3?...How can you hate people that you have never in your life met?...What type of God do you worship that allows you to hate as much as you do?...and what good is your hatred for these people doing for American or for that matter any society?...I have clients who have reasons to hate others but they forgive and move on with life...You on the other hand have no reason other than they make you mad and they dont do anything for society...this world has good and evil and you are part of the evil with the hatred that you spew...SOCIOPATH!!!! maybe you should take a deep look into why you hate them so much and work out your issues with a therapist....I'm not making excuses for those that do wrong but what makes you different from them...They have anger issues and hate for one reason or another and you do the same thing...SEEK HELP!!!!...that is my peace for the year...I will continue to read the L.A Times HR and maybe even respond to some of the comments...However as a man and one who is not afraid to have dialogue with anyone, if you would like to have a personal conversation with me to pick my brain I can be contacted at mstrong18@yahoo.com

— FOol Aug. 28, 2012 at 1:43 p.m.

BH Res,

Fair enough. However, I do not see this blog as a deliverance of justice. I was simply disagreeing with your point that it adds absolutely no value.

On this story alone, you read that his sister is happy that there is still conversation being generated about her brother. There's value there as you truly cannot say he's forgotten. You never know when someone may read one of these and it triggers a memory or a person they may know that ties someone to the scene. You just can't say that isn't a possibility.

As far as your other opinions, they do have validity and I agree with your stance on opinions; as with yours, you certainly are entitled.

As for myself, I just couldn't believe how many people are murdered in the LA area. So I started reading up on as many as I could, googling the News stories and opening my heart to the pain the family members of the deceased must feel as the average age is only 19!!! They are children!

But after HUNDREDS of patterns fitting the same details at nauseum, my brain starts hurting and an overwhelming sense of hopelessness overcame me. To the point where I was so bothered by all of this it was interferring with my life at home. What can I possibly do to help? Is ANYONE doing anything to help? Are there programs in place to keep children from following the only patterns they know? How can you change a behavior in an environment that has bred the same cycle for decades? How can the police feel like they've made an impact daily? The task seems monumental.

Then you read Syscom's views and sure, some are right to the point and sometimes hurtful, but often times is the truth and you know what we all say about the truth. Yes, it hurts. But Syscom raises a valid point in the fact that electing the right officials at the local level is a start. Families need to stop enabling their young by turning a blind eye on who they really are.

These are solutions, and little by little they could chip away at the sociopathic fabric that allows for this blog to even exist!!!

By reading neighbors calling out other locals to stand up for their own neighborhoods rather than sit back and allow gangs to overrun them. This is a solution. Albeit, not too safe of one, but they are fed up and should be. The more eyes that open up and the more upstanding citizens that have had enough, the more this may become a reality, rather than be captive in their own bar-studded homes.

So again, adding absolutely NO value to the communities? I have to disagree with you on that. The majority of it, sure, I'll give you that. However, this is still an avenue; right, wrong or indifferent. And personally, I pray for everyone who truly has a good heart and is trying to make a difference.

Perhaps then, there will be no need for a Homicide Report.

Sorry for peppering Mike's report with general arguments, the important thing here is that the Rodriguez family can find justice and just as importantly, the truth.

— mightymike33tm3 Aug. 28, 2012 at 1:09 p.m.

Mr. MighyMike,

The IP address would have to be requested via a subpoena it would not be given up willingly and easily by this newspaper so even if I came on this site and said yeah I did so what? The police would still have to go through more then just calling up the times to request the IP address, could they get it sure eventually but that's just an IP address and that will lead you to the computer only and not the suspect so that would be considered valuable information but not concrete enough for a conviction and hardly acceptable as for an arrest. As for partolling this blog? Hardly but we don't agree and that fine. I never said that this blog should be used to prase the dead...I think that the value of this blog is minimal and of no value to the families that come on here. It only plays into our thinking that somehow someway this blog is a benefit to society and in my humble opinion it is not. It holds no value with the exception that it allows us to point the finger and say thank god its not me or mine. But again, you are entitled to your side and I am entitle to mine.

— BH Res Aug. 24, 2012 at 11:34 p.m.

Mr./Ms. Syscom3/MightyMike:

I do not come to this blog often. I was in the middle of doing something that brought me back to this blog for work. However, with that in mind I agree and disagree with you. This blog allows us to hate the gang member which is your right. This blog allows society to pass judgement and that is your right also. But other than that is serves no good. What does knowing how many were killed in a certain section improve? What does knowing the name and race of that person killed serve? I'm sure that 99% of the communities that account for most of the murders you will never visit. I know I do not and I grew up in some of them. And what price does the family/friends pay for a blog entry showing the circumstances in which their loved one died? For publicity sake? And then to have to read blog entires about what an awful person he/she was? Really do you really think that brings any sort of comfort to the family to know that you don't approve and by you I mean not you personally but the you in general. I don't think I would want my families name on this blog for the world to comment on. Most of the deaths are none of our buisness because the life lived and now dead did not matter to us, it did not affect us good or bad.The crime commited by this individual (gang member) or not did not effect the significance or quality of your life. There will always be crime. Inspite of what he/she did or was had no effect on either one of us. I do not condone gang violence nor am I a bleeding heart to the plight of their lives but I know that this blog has done absolutely nothing to advance safety within the communities that show the most killings. But we agree to disagree and that is a right that each of us has. I see this blog as a really bad thing that people cannot turn away from. And you have the right to see is any way you want to. In my faith...for one to die and go to heaven or to go with God your sins on earth are forgiven. That's just the way I was raised and yes I choose to hang on to that. By the way the word incite did not mean to commit a crime...it was used in relation to the treatment some have recieved on this blog. I know in death we give up certain rights and those are evident, however; at what point do we the living give up our compasion, forgiveness, tolerance, empathy, all those things that we as the USA believe that makes us better then some third world country? Mr/Ms Syscom3/MightyMike you have your beliefs and I have mine. We will never agree on the value of this blog, you see it as a deliverance of justice and I see it as a hindrance of tolerance.

— BH Resident Aug. 24, 2012 at 11:21 p.m.

— Boyle Hieghts resident at heart ; this blog serves an important public service. Prior to this blog being published, nearly every single homicide victim in LA County didn't even get their names listed for the community to take note. And that was a shame.

Now we all can see the raw brutality of the streets. And it gives the family members of the deceased a chance to speak. And it gives the public at large the same opportunity to pass judgement.

As for this blog inspiring someone to commit more crimes? Really? If anyone who reads a comment in here and then decides to go commit a crime, then it stands to reason they were already a hand grenade ready to explode.

"and society must be willing to accept the fact that for good or bad the dead person’s bad traits were all forgiven once he was pronounced dead." No, society gets to pass all the judgement we want. If some want to forgive the deceased (if they were a sociopath to begin with), then they can go ahead and do it. But for others, forgiveness is for the living, not the dead.

"we will continue to find ourselves as them and us." Well, yes. That's the way it is supposed to be. The law abiding public versus the sociopaths.

Just remember this; This isn't the obituaries. For many of the mourning familes of a sociopath that was murdered, the words they read in this blog is often the first time they are hearing the truth.

— syscom3 Aug. 24, 2012 at 12:42 p.m.

@ Boyle Heights resident at heart,

This blog would certainly hold enough fodder for a thesis, that's for sure. But how do you know that it has NEVER solved a crime? Do you have statistics showing that?

I can GUARANTEE that investigators scope this blog regularly. You never know when the killer(s) or someone who knows something opens their mouths a little too far. The police would have access to the IP address and persue accordingly.

As many have said on here that would know, the streets talk and eventually in some cases, they say what needs to be said. I agree with you in regards to showing true character, that all of the bloggers have the luxury of hiding behind their keyboard and there are often really callous displays of that on here.

However, this isn't an obituary or Legacy site, it is just a report on homicides. The moderator has the option of allowing whatever they choose to allow. If this were a sugar-coated process, then only nice things being said would be allowed to pass through in print.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and unfortunately you will see trolls writing whatever they wish. I've even seen some comments laughing at the deceased and wondered how that can be allowed to pass. Perhaps it's so the police can follow up through clues, I'm not sure; but it sickens me just the same.

I've even seen the prosecutor in a court case comment in his defense on thes blogs, so people are paying attention.

Just my 2 cents, but what do I know?

At any rate, RIP Mike, and if there is a Hell, may the killer(s) burn in it eternally.

— mightymike33tm3 Aug. 24, 2012 at 11:06 a.m.

A few years ago I graduated and did my thesis and included this blog in that paper. This was the worst blog to come from this paper. This blog has never stopped a killing; it has never helped solve a killing. The only thing this blog contributes to is the sad undefined, worst aspects of our characters. We feel completely qualified to degrade each other. Thankfully I have never had a family member die from gang violence; I have had friends/acquaintances die but 5 out of 6 were gang members and those deaths come with the territory. However, this blog serves absolutely no purpose. In its own way this blog just incites people. It really is a sad, sad description of us as a society as a whole. Each as a god given right to mourn the death of their loved one any way he/she chooses even if it goes against the norm. Even if the dead was a serial killer or a gang member. How can one tell the mother of the dead what how to mourn her son? Not that what he did makes anything right or better and I don’t know for sure if there is a heaven (the way I was raised leads me to believe that) but who knows for sure? I don’t know if god forgives all when we die. I don’t even know if he should? I do know that the one the dead leaves behind must be more tolerate and understanding of society as a whole and the feeling towards the dead especially if the dead was involved in gangs which always means illegal activity. What he was towards the family was not the person he was out on the streets; it was not the same person he showed to society. Not only that but the family’s level of tolerance and acceptance and self worth and acceptable behavior could be extremely lower then what society would consider normal. No program is perfect; no group of people who consider themselves family is perfect and as long as we continue to debate the fine upstanding character of the dead as defined by the family we will continue to find ourselves as them and us. Gang member or serial killer or ex-con the family must be honest with society as to what kind of man/woman the dead was and society must be willing to accept the fact that for good or bad the dead person’s bad traits were all forgiven once he was pronounced dead. Again, this blog had done nothing for society it has done nothing to solve one murder. It just allows us to view the world through thank god it is not me glasses. The other side of this sad little blog is that it shows the fact that the money cuts to education are missed and will be missed for years to come. I don’t think we will ever recover from the money cuts to education. That’s the part of this blog that is the most interesting the educational levels on this blog are easily visible. And this blog entry does not pass judgement on this victim.

— Boyle Hieghts resident at heart Aug. 23, 2012 at 12:59 a.m.

RIP Michael Rodriguez. All my LOVE and Prayers go out to the Rodriguez Familia. I have known Michael since he was born and his sister. I have known his Mother since I was like 5 years old. His grandmother on his Mother side is my mother best friend. Years later when I was a teen I dated his Tio on his Father's side for a few years. Michael only really knew of me while I was with his Tio. But I remember him. He was such a loving little boy. He loved going to go with his Uncle Robert to go watch WWE wrestling. I gave him my iguana and he was so happy. I am truely sadden by this horrible news. He did not deserve this at all. No one does. Michael mijo, My you rest in peace.

Ness! I LOVE you! and I am soooo sorry. When I found out I was heart broken. Give my love to the fambam boo! xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

BTW, ppl with negative comments should not be allowed to comment on here. This is not the time for negative comment. The familia has already gone through enough, dont add to it... geeeezzzz....

Much LOVE
Tio's Ex <3

— Tio J's Ex Aug. 21, 2012 at 12:57 p.m.

@ Jag,

I agree with you. ;)

@ Truth, well said. I'm white, but honestly don't see color. There are certain times when sterotypes creep, but I don't live my life with those "values". Life's too short. It isn't like we chose our skin colors anyway, it shouldn't go beyond that.

A few people on here had a really tangible point about him being set up. I was recently down in LA for business and just getting off the freeways gave me anxiety because of this HR. But I felt like I had an out with my car. I chose to be there. What if Mike trusted too much? Who was she? Why didn't they drive? He would certainly know not to "rep" anything in the wrong hood. Could this be random? If so, an initiation of sorts? Why wasn't she hit also? Why? He seemed smart, smart enough to know better.

Who made him feel safe? His friends need to dig deep and ask these questions. Someone he knows, knows something. If all avenues are exhausted then perhaps it's just that, a random shooting.

Don't give up the faith Rodriguez family. There's reasons for everything if you believe in God. Although this is a tough one to swallow. Godspeed.

— mighymike33tm3 Aug. 20, 2012 at 4:40 p.m.

Rude or unpleasant comments should not be aloud on here. Me or my dad have not said no negative Comments to anyone on here. And those who have that are family or friends are just really upset and hurting everyone hurts in differents ways. We really just want justice for Michael.
Today is one month.
Does not feel like a month. I'm still in shock. I never thought this would ever happen to my brother. He really wasn't a bad person. He was a good guy. Always had everyone smiling and laughing. I miss him so much. I can not even look at a picture of him it hurts I just cry because I know I'm not going to see him no more in this life. I love my big brother Michael always will be my brother and always will love him forever and ever.
May you rest in peace Michael
12/9/1988-7/20/2012 <3
ONLY rude or unpleasant comments that should be on here are to the guy(s) who did this to Michael.
.I'm sure he is reading this right now. How could you do this? My nephew is Turing 2 this month now my brother can not be there watch his son grow up take him to his first day of school play baseball with him he now does not have his father. Don't you have kids ? Family? Do you not have a heart? Do you believe in god? I'm sure god gave up on you for doing this to an innocent person. Was this your first time doing this? I hope it's your last time doing this to someone. I hope you see my brother where ever you go. I hope you live in fear. Was it really worth it.
You really are a sick person. I don't understand how people could just kill another person.
Shame on you.

— Michaels little sister Aug. 20, 2012 at 1:37 a.m.

To the idiots who are writing why dont you think before you speak if that were your son would you post those hurtful things and i saw your comments before that you assumed dont assume instead of being inconsiderate of peoples feelings try loosing a son, brother, dad, to something like this, i speak from experience because i lost my brother to jerks that would rather pull out a gun instead of fight man to man so leave this poor family alone they have been through enough and until you are in their shoes and having someone die so close to you blood and your right you might try to justify yourself but in reality no one really knows what this family is going through and instead of posting your comments you should leave them alone and to the family my condolences to all of you all i can say is let the justice system work and keep in contact with the DA and detectives that are fighting for justice those or person responsible will pay if not in this life but the next, it will take time for the monster of monsters to pay but just have faith and cling to each other because your family is the only thing that will hold you together God bless!

— unknown Aug. 17, 2012 at 11:48 a.m.

I was born and raised in this area. Moved a few years ago actually didn't really go back after having left to go to school. But what stricks me as curious is the fact that all his friends were fine upstanding people in a community. Yet these same people did exactly what is done in most gang related shootings and that is they posted a memorial. Funny for all his friends who are not gang members and who never have hung around with gang members funny how they did the exact same thing. And the worst part...they left everything there just to rot and clutter the sidewalk and wall. Its a shame too that all his friends who posted had such negative things to say about a whole group of people who live in this area and yet they need their help. Just too funny isnt it?

— Jenna Aug. 16, 2012 at 1:18 a.m.

I'm sure the coward that killed this great young man must be checking this blog everyday worried that the police are one step away from catching him you must think you got away with the perfect murder, but that's where your wrong coward this happen during the day I'm sure plenty of people saw what happen plus you left a witness. I bet you can't sleep at night watching over your shoulder and it's not because you feel guilty about killing this kid but because your worried about what's going to happen to you in prison and how every inmate is going to have their with you day in and day out. I hope your ready for that, I know for a fact your not going to get away with this God is going to give this family justice you'll see coward and you'll remember my words either you'll go to prison or someone is going to roll up on you when you least expect it, you live by the gun you'll die by it too. Only cowards like yourself use guns. To the family I'm sorry for your loss and I'm sorry if I offended the family in anyway. To Mikes little sister hang in there the coward will be caught one way or the other God says there's no rest for the wicked the killer has no peace of mind.

— Nameless Aug. 15, 2012 at 9:30 p.m.

If anyone knows anything in my sons killing plz speak out. My son did not deserve this. If u know something and don't speak out then u just as guilty as the ones who killed my son. U can make a difference. If not, I pray for u to make the difference. May the lord have mercy on their soul, on anyone who knows of my sons killing. FRIEND, Tom and Somebody make good points. Hope the cops think of these points also. Now, plz no negative things on here. I know everyone has the right to make their opinions but family and friends hurt when negativity is posted. My son was a good kid. Yes he did have trust in many people. He was not in a gang. He had no criminal record. He was just wanting to come home. Plz SPEAK out. Velasquez sorry for ur loss. Will keep u and ur family in our prayers and hope they catch the killers.

— Rodriguez Aug. 15, 2012 at 11:33 a.m.

Please just stop with the bad comments. Didn't you read my dads comment. We just want these guys found.it isn't right no life should be taken away. We just all love Michael miss him so much its not getting any easy for us. They will find these.guys we are thinking positive. Thank you all for keeping up with the comments even tho some are bad. Its almost a month since my.brother passed and people are still talking about him. I love it <3 let's.keep it up tell your friends everyone maybe they know or over heard someone talking about this. The streets will talk sooner or later. Please no more bad comments. Michael was a good person a good dad, friend and a good brother to me. I miss him so much.
Thank you everyone stay safe out there :)

— michaels sister Aug. 15, 2012 at 10:27 a.m.

Our family also lost our beloved son, father, brother Frankie Velasquez he was shot on May 5,2012 in Boyle Heights died a day later. He wasn't a gang member had just moved into that area. It shouldnt matter if they were gang members or where they lived because they were someone's sons, dad, brother ... No one is doing anything about it 5 lives have been lost within 4 months thats too many you don't hear none of this in the news the Det. aren't saying much ... why because it's Boyle Heights ?? We also want justice !!! We got the City of LA to offer a reward but that was over a month ago that the reward got approved and we are still waiting for the fliers to get done "LAPD" My heart goes out to the Rodriguez Family I know very well what you are going thru !! We need to do something

— Velasquez Aug. 14, 2012 at 10:54 p.m.

I don't think these guys are passing any type of judgement they're giving their opinions their own point of view about the circumstances surrounding the death of this great young man I'm sure the police have asked the same questions ( any gang ties, drugs, owe money, robbery gone bad,fights, love etc.) the police are always looking for a motive because if this was a thrill kill no one is safe, I live close to Boyle Heights, I have family that rides the bus too so it these cowards are picking people at random I'm worried. The victim could have been any of us reading these posts. To Laura your comment was uncalled for you tell Uncle Sam you hope he never loses someone close, but if he does you hope people will write harsh things nice going there.

— John Aug. 13, 2012 at 12:14 p.m.

CGRN your a funny guy you think you know me, I've lived in the Ghetto most of my life South Central Los Angeles, Watts, and been living in Boyle Heights a few years now, I've never said I was still active duty read the posts before you comment, my last tour in Iraq was a few years ago and what makes you think I need help because I made a statement that wasn't true who here can honestly say they never assumed something that wasn't true with little or no facts, I assumed something based on what I've seen. Your right about one thing dressing a certain way shouldn't matter, but it does here in the Ghetto and if you were from the ghetto you would understand that, rival gangs drive into gang territory looking to pop someone and if your not in a gang but your dressed like one they'll assume your from that gang a lot times they won't even ask where your from they'll just start popping off rounds, I'm assuming your not from around here most outsiders don't know this. For your information the way someone dresses does have bearing, I dare you to come up in here dressed looking like one with a shaved head mad dogging, you'll know what I'm talking about.

— Uncle Sam Aug. 10, 2012 at 11:24 p.m.

Thank you all for ur comments. My son was a good kid. He grew up in the san gabriel valley and had no ties to gangs. He had trust in many people so he was in many cities. He had a big heart to go with his big smile/laugh. We need closure so family, friends and my belove son can rest in peace. We are asking for the peoples help to spread the word in capturing all these cowards involved in my sons killing. Someone knows something and could make a difference in having these cowards involve serve justice. I spoke to a priest today. My son is in a better place. My son was good kid who god called up early because he was short an Angel. He is looking down on us each day. Plz spread the word and praying that someone speaks out in this senseless killing. We need ALL those responsible serve justice. Some day they will serve justice in front of god and pray that god have mercy on their soul. Till then let's have them serve justice here.

— Rodriguez Aug. 10, 2012 at 1:21 p.m.

Mike was an amazing kid with a great smile and huge heart. His family supported the comunity. His father has saved countless lives in the community. For anyone to volunteer and give back does tell of that persons character. I'm proud to be from ELA. The way people dress has and shouldn't have any bearing on who they are. For the military personal commenting that is why rules of engagement exist because if you can't look outside the box and confirm what your seeing you do not act. Your assumptions and tone considering your from the same area are immature and thoughtless. I highly doubt you are still active and if so please seek counseling it's your type that always come back with a chip on your shoulder. I pray the murderer who is still lose to kill in cold blood is caught. That everyday this individuals life is so filled with guilt and torment they turn themselves in.

— CGRN Aug. 9, 2012 at 1:11 p.m.

He was invited to a place he never had been to. He was invited by an individual he knew and that is far from being a gangster. Mike was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Its sad how some of these comments are so negative with the wrong kind of opinions about someone u don't know u never knew. He was a good guy with NO! Criminal record. He was and still is loved by so many. having or not having hair dont mean nothing. He was a coach for the Alhambra little league, he thought how to play ball in lots of teams with different kids n there families. They all loved him. At his church services he had a lot of those kids come with there parents and pay there respects. He was an incredible person, always smiling, craking jokes and out on the field playing his favorite sport with his Dad baseball. Its hard to read negative comments and seeing that he's being judged by people that didn't know him.

— Ness Aug. 5, 2012 at 11:47 p.m.

This site was NOT meant for people to come on here & bash Michael & his family. This isnt just some social network where you talk crap. Michael was a great person, he had such a kind heart & an incredible
Personality. Whenever I seen him or talked to him he had a smile on & was always laughing. I've never seen Michael sad. He was the life of the party. He was far from being a gang member, so if you don't know Michael personally don't assume just because of what's happening now and because of how this all happened that he was a gang banger. & even if he was this doesn't change the matter of the fact that he's Gone. I will miss you Michael, and I know you are looking down on us right now. I hope the police find the killers & sentence them to be put In jail for a very long time. Rip Michael.

— A friend Aug. 5, 2012 at 10:37 p.m.

I miss my brother soo much being home and not seeing him everyday is hard I do not have any other sibling it's always been me and my big brother we would do so much together. Nothing will ever be the same my brother was not in a gang you see him and you see a big smile with braces and his Angeles jersey on and some Jordan's what guy doesn't like Jordan's he has hand orange hair no hair long hair Mohawk bald spiky hair my brother was soo different. Just a young man living his life. He left behind a son my only nephew who will be turning 2 this month it's sad he had too go so soon. Me miss him so much and we are not stopping we pass out flyers with the incident and a picture on it everywhere we pray we post about him everywhere we want these people found this was not right. If this was gang related I think we would have stopped posting about him and just gave up because we would have known witch gang it was and all that and we would have not been surprised by any of this. But we really don't know why someone would do this he was such a good person he was not in a Gang AND WAS NOT affiliated with no gangsters.
R.i.p michael Rodriguez we love you

— Michaels little sister Aug. 5, 2012 at 9:58 p.m.

By reading the many comments here from family and friends we may assume that this young man appear to have no gang affiliation. The simple fact that Michael was in that area of town does not make him a criminal by all means. He could, sadly enough, be another victim, another statistic of these gang-infested neighborhoods. Any person may come up with their own theories of what Michael was doing and why he was a target, anyone may. In the end is all hearsay, none of us know for sure the motive behind this murder. But it sure as heck sounds like this young man was an innocent victim.

To Michael’s family:

Even when I did not had the pleasure of meeting your son, please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of your loved one, Michael.

— Alma Aug. 2, 2012 at 1:20 p.m.

Sorry to disappoint everyone I'm not white, I live in the hood too, my username nickname Uncle Sam has noting to do with race it's the fact that I served in Iraq while in the military since I enjoyed the service so much guys in my unit starting calling that. I know what it's like to lose friends and family so don't even go there. On one on this blog can say anything that I haven't heard already. My claim comes from the people I've seen visiting the crime scene and leaving flowers they look like gangbangers so like most people I'm thinking this was gang member killed, maybe he wasn't in a gang but just knowing gang members is enough to get in trouble. Sounds to like you guys have a race issues so Laura you must feel pretty stupid.

— Uncle Sam July 31, 2012 at 2:17 p.m.

People make some unfortunate and inappropriate comments. Uncle Sam, as some one very proud to be a citizen of this country-it disgusts me that you would masquerade behind a name like that; man up! People like you, making remarks like that are the tip of the ice berg of a much larger problem. Now, being that this wonderful young man was hispanic, you have made white people sound completely insensitive and racist; which since I'm white-REALLY PISSES ME OFF! I apologize, on behalf of this imbecile to the family, friends, and all those grieving for Michael. My prayers go out to all of you during this time, and I also pray that the bastards who committed this horrific murder are brought to justice. As for you Uncle Sam, I pray that you don't lose anyone close to you, but if you do I hope some prick makes the same heartless comments to you.

— Laura July 28, 2012 at 4:01 p.m.

Been coming on this site for about 2 years now and when you read as many as I have you develop a pattern in your mind. Kind of like a mental map of sorts. I'm not saying I'm the judge or some kind of know-it-all, but the pattern is there.

You can also tell by what friends and family say about him/her whether they really knew the deceased outside of their home. "Koolaid smile, big heart, would do anything for his family". Yet, the same person is destroying families in their "real life".

So we are quick to judge when it fits the pattern. Who the hell are we to do so? We are free to say what we want to and the computer shields us from consequences.

This does NOT fit the pattern. Seriously, Uncle Sam, I can understand such a statement based off a couple of posts, possibly. But to generalize with no evidence kinda sucks man.

There are a few of these heart-wrenching reports where you genuinely get a feel for how the person lived his life, and by reading these posts I see a young man who was doing beyond the right thing. How many of us donate our time to develop youth? He obviously touched many lives and didn't deserve to die like this.

Hopefully the cops catch these cowards, at least there is a tangible description and I pray to God justice is served on this one.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Rodriguez family and all of his many friends during this unbearable time. RIP Mike.

— mightymike33tm3 July 27, 2012 at 12:57 p.m.

My brother was not in a gang he was a fun loving person who just like to make people laugh AND PLAY base ball and hang out with his son friends and family. I do not know why he was over there he just happened to be in the wrong place and the wrong time and was just trying to get home on a bus as fast as possible to his own part of town he was never over there and I would know because I was always with him and if I wasn't with him he would come home and tell me what he did or who he was with. You are so rude don't judge some one you do not know . I do not know who wrote on the walls but that wrighting is ALL GONE THAT WAS NOT acceptable. THAT'S THE LAST THING OUR FAMILY IS. WE ARE NOT GHETTO. WE WANT THESE BAD PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS SO THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN TO ANY OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE !!! HAVE RESPECT PLZZ NO LIFE SHOULD BE TAKEN IN A GANG OR NOT.
GOD BLESS ALL YOU AND STAY SAFE <3

— michaels little sister July 26, 2012 at 10:38 a.m.

UncleSam This is no place for your opinion, or your judging,this kid was on his way home, when his life was taken from him. He was loved by many, and was a great ballplayer! So his friends showed there respect in a way they only know how to, don't judge him for there actions! Or stereo type him! We know what happens when you A$$me¡! We can easily assume your a donkey that hides behind his computer pretending to be an educated man, who doesn't think before he types away....words hurt, this kid has a family grieving!And if it matters to you his family is very educated! His father just gave classes to teach CPR and more at El Sereno park, remember that next time your in the Emergency room and his father is working to keep you alive! Show some class and keep your downgrading comments to yourself!

— Lucia July 25, 2012 at 9:57 p.m.

He was not a gang member. He is my son. Hurts for me to see that it was listed as gang related. My son was waiting for the bus at 8 am to come home. He was wrongfully killed by some cowards who will hide behind a gun. He had trust in many people. He is loved by many people. He was a coach with me. Coaching little league was one of his greatest times. Playing softball was his life. I had the greatest times playing with him on the field. Now some cowards took that away from him and me. He was a true fan of the Angels baseball team. He had passion of the team. He also big fan of the Cowboys, Lakers and Kings. He was my life. He was my son who I love very much. He is a father who had the same dream to share his life with his son as he did with his father. I pray to god that all the people involved in my son killing service justice. If anyone has any information plz share it with police.

— Rodriguez July 25, 2012 at 7:20 p.m.