DA: No grand jury action yet for father who left twins in hot car

The prosecution put the case on hold for several weeks to decide whether to prosecute Juan Rodriguez – the father who left his twin babies in a hot car for several hours, ultimately leading to their deaths.

News 12 Staff

Aug 1, 2019, 10:54 AM

Updated 1,735 days ago

Share:

The prosecution put the case on hold for several weeks to decide whether to prosecute Juan Rodriguez – the father who left his twin babies in a hot car for several hours, ultimately leading to their deaths.
Rodriguez 's 1-year-old twins, Luna and Phoenix, died in the back seat of his Honda after he left them for eight hours while he worked at a nearby Veterans Affairs hospital.
Rodriguez had dropped off his 4-year-old son at day care before starting his work day but forgot the other two in the car. The 39-year-old was charged with manslaughter and criminally neglect homicide.
His lawyer, Joey Jackson, maintains that it was an unfortunate accident.
“He has nothing to hide but to feel misery about what happened in this case,” says Jackson.
In Bronx Criminal Court Thursday, the prosecution announced that no grand jury action has been reached, but that charges could move forward.
Jackson is urging the Bronx District Attorney's Office to drop the case. He says he is “appealing to [DA Darcel Clark’s] sense of justice to do what we believe is the right thing and dismiss these charges.”
Jackson called Rodriguez a devoted family man, a caring social worker and loyal veteran. He says there were 52 hot car deaths in 2018 involving children.
The attorney says the Rodriguez family will be working with lawmakers to push for legislation to prevent another tragedy of this kind.
Rodriguez is due back in court on Aug. 27.
 


More from News 12
1:29
Elmsford School District addresses elimination of DEI director role

Elmsford School District addresses elimination of DEI director role

2:01
Summer feeling with highs in the 80s tomorrow in the Hudson Valley

Summer feeling with highs in the 80s tomorrow in the Hudson Valley

1:22
Pro-Palestinian protests make their way to SUNY New Paltz campus

Pro-Palestinian protests make their way to SUNY New Paltz campus

0:20
Guy Fieri to host Cinco de Mayo bottle signing event in Yonkers

Guy Fieri to host Cinco de Mayo bottle signing event in Yonkers

0:27
White Plains and Northern Westchester Hospitals given 'A' grades for patient safety

White Plains and Northern Westchester Hospitals given 'A' grades for patient safety

1:33
SUNY officials visit Yonkers to encourage high schoolers to complete financial aid applications

SUNY officials visit Yonkers to encourage high schoolers to complete financial aid applications

0:35
 Woman faces charges in assault incident at Yonkers Montessori Academy

Woman faces charges in assault incident at Yonkers Montessori Academy

1:48
Newburgh charity founder faces federal charges, accused of falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient and stealing from the VA

Newburgh charity founder faces federal charges, accused of falsely claiming to be a Purple Heart recipient and stealing from the VA

Poughkeepsie Police investigate shootings of two teens, shooter at large

Poughkeepsie Police investigate shootings of two teens, shooter at large

0:30
Rockland County's American Eel Project underway

Rockland County's American Eel Project underway

0:53
Health care workers picket outside Phelps Hospital demanding better conditions

Health care workers picket outside Phelps Hospital demanding better conditions

0:41
Sen. Gillibrand announces passage of new bill to fight fentanyl crisis

Sen. Gillibrand announces passage of new bill to fight fentanyl crisis

0:31
Car drives into Whoo's Bar and Grill in Newburgh forcing its closure

Car drives into Whoo's Bar and Grill in Newburgh forcing its closure

0:33
Changes to recreational striped bass fishing regulations in the Hudson River

Changes to recreational striped bass fishing regulations in the Hudson River

0:20
Arrest made in Spring Valley stabbing case

Arrest made in Spring Valley stabbing case

0:31
Putnam County man killed in crash following pursuit

Putnam County man killed in crash following pursuit

0:51
Westchester County allocates $3 million for affordable housing in Mamaroneck

Westchester County allocates $3 million for affordable housing in Mamaroneck

2:15
Hazy and hot weather arrives Thursday before a weekend cooldown

Hazy and hot weather arrives Thursday before a weekend cooldown

0:32
Suspect arrested in fatal shooting at unlicensed cannabis store in Mount Vernon

Suspect arrested in fatal shooting at unlicensed cannabis store in Mount Vernon

0:56
Homeless man arrested for 20th time in Ulster County for possessing stolen items

Homeless man arrested for 20th time in Ulster County for possessing stolen items