In a significant development, New York State Police have confirmed the arrest of 36-year-old Robert Rodriguez of Stony Point, on charges of second-degree murder. The arrest, made on February 9, 2024, marks a crucial milestone in a case that has puzzled authorities for three years.
The incident dates back to February 16, 2021, when state troopers were called to a distressing scene on the Palisades Parkway near exit 16 in Stony Point. At around 2 a.m., they discovered a 2021 Hyundai Sonata fully engulfed in flames. Upon extinguishing the fire, authorities found Ronald Mann, a Bronx, NY, resident, deceased inside the vehicle. The Rockland County Medical Examiner’s Office later concluded that Mann had succumbed to a gunshot wound, prompting an investigation to classify his death as a homicide.
The arrest of Rodriguez is the culmination of a prolonged and detailed investigation by the New York State Police, specifically Troop F’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The collaborative effort also involved assistance from New York State Fire, the Stony Point, Haverstraw, and Suffern Police Departments, as well as the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
Following his arrest, Rodriguez faced arraignment in the Town of Stony Point Justice Court before Judge Franks. He has since been remanded to Rockland County Jail, where he is being held without bail.