On March 7, 2024, a Carroll County jury delivered a verdict in the case of brothers Hector Rodriguez and Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra from Chicago, Illinois. The jury found them guilty of Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Aggravated Battery. Hector Rodriguez faced additional charges of Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and Driving Under the Influence.
Superior Court Judge Dustin Hightower oversaw the trial and handed down sentences to the defendants. Hector Rodriguez received a 20-year prison term followed by 11 years of probation, while Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra was sentenced to 30 years in prison, the maximum allowed by Georgia law due to the charges involved.
The prosecution team, led by Assistant District Attorney Maggie Meetze and DA Investigator Becky Byrd, presented evidence showing the violent nature of the crime. The incident occurred on March 11, 2023, when the defendants assaulted the victim at a shared residence. The altercation escalated when Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra insulted the victim's Christian faith and forcibly removed a pendant from the victim's neck.
During the confrontation, Hector Rodriguez allegedly handed a pocket knife to Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra with instructions to "kill him." Subsequently, Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra stabbed the victim in the arm, causing a severe injury that required emergency medical attention. The victim managed to escape and seek help at a nearby church, where authorities intervened to save his life.
Sergeant Kyle Jones from the Carrollton Police Department led the investigation, which led to the apprehension of the defendants shortly after the incident. Hector Rodriguez was found to be driving under the influence, while Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra was in possession of knives, one of which tested positive for the victim's DNA.
The swift response of law enforcement prevented a potential tragedy, with the incident being described as a hate crime by the prosecution. In a statement following the verdict, a representative expressed gratitude for the victim's survival and emphasized the importance of upholding religious freedom amidst such acts of violence.
The conviction of Hector Rodriguez and Jesus Rodriguez Vicerra serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of such criminal behavior, with both individuals now facing significant time behind bars for their actions.