More than 30 years after her body was discovered in New York City, police identified the woman, officials announced Monday.
CBS News reports that Judy Rodriguez’s remains were found on August 25, 1991, bound at the ankles and hidden under a board in a grassy area near two intersecting parkways in Queens. Four men, aged 18 to 20 at the time, were later convicted for their roles in the crime,
The office of District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that four men confronted Rodriquez between July and August 1991. One man then exited the vehicle and struck the victim with a large flashlight, leading to her death. The suspects left the scene but returned two weeks later and put a large wooden board over her, officials said.
According to Shore News Network, in April 2024, the Queens DA’s Cold Case Unit teamed up with DNA Labs International to create a genealogical profile. Through investigative genealogy, detectives tracked the profile to her family, ultimately confirming her identity as Rodriguez.
“Three decades ago, four men were convicted for a gruesome killing, but the family went 33 long years without answers about their loved one,”Katz said.
The men were arrested in 1991. One pleaded guilty to manslaughter, served 8 to 25 years, and was released in 2009, finishing parole in 2016. Two others served 2 to 7 years for reckless endangerment, both released in 1996.
The fourth man, guilty of hindering prosecution, and released from prison in 1996.
“Thanks to advanced DNA technology and the tireless efforts of our Cold Case Unit and the NYPD, we have finally provided the family with those crucial details,” Katz added.
Rodriquez, who was last seen alive attending her daughter’s first birthday party, was the mother of three children.
[Feature Photo via the office of District Attorney Melinda Katz
