More
    HomeCrimeGambling Gone Wrong: Accused Killer's Shocking Confession at Crime Scene!

    Gambling Gone Wrong: Accused Killer’s Shocking Confession at Crime Scene!

    Published on

    Subscribe for Daily Hype

    Top stories in entertainment, money, crime, and culture. It’s all here. It’s all hot.

    Accused Killer Testifies in Murder Trial of Hazleton Clerk

    Hazleton, PA — The murder trial of Jafet De Jesus Rodriguez, 44, resumed in Hazleton this week, revealing intricate details of a robbery-turned-homicide that shook the local community. Rodriguez faces serious charges, including criminal homicide and robbery, following the brutal killing of Ashokkumar Patel, a clerk at Craig’s Food Mart, on December 12, 2020.

    A Night of Gambles and Fatal Decisions

    During the trial’s third day, significant testimony was unveiled, exposing Rodriguez’s gambling habits and his potential motive for the crime. According to Hazleton police Detective Ryan Mariano, Rodriguez admitted to frequenting the Craig’s Food Mart to play gambling machines. On the day of the incident, he allegedly lost money before leaving for a drug deal.

    "Rodriguez described himself as a gambler," Mariano testified. "He had previously lost a considerable amount but won about $3,000 a few weeks prior to the shooting." Following his losses, Rodriguez reportedly left the convenience store around the time of the fatal incident.

    Evidence and Connections to the Crime Scene

    The investigation led authorities to Rodriguez’s residence, where they recovered various cellphones and nearly $2,900 in cash. Notably, one of Rodriguez’s phones pinged near the scene of the crime shortly before the shooting, establishing a connection between him and the incident.

    Moreover, GPS tracking indicated that after the robbery, his phone returned to his home and then to his car wash, where police discovered clothing items consistent with those worn by the shooter—specifically a red and orange sweatshirt, gloves, and a mask. A bloodstain on the sweatshirt contained DNA from both Rodriguez and the victim, Patel.

    Additional Testimony Raises Questions

    Former worker Angel Rivera testified regarding his past relationship with Rodriguez, stating he had used a .40-caliber Glock pistol as collateral for a loan. This weapon is believed to be the one used in Patel’s murder, although it has never been recovered by authorities.

    The courtroom momentarily shifted into contention, as Rodriguez’s defense attorney questioned Rivera’s credibility, suggesting he might be trying to deflect blame. “Didn’t you rob Craig’s Market and kill Mr. Patel?” attorney Joseph F. Sklarosky Sr. inquired, prompting objections from the prosecution.

    As the trial progresses, Rodriguez faces multiple serious charges, including theft, drug trafficking, and conspiracy. The case is set to conclude next week, with the community anxiously awaiting the jury’s decision.

    This story will be updated as further developments unfold in the trial.

    Subscribe
    Notify of
    guest
    0 Comments
    Oldest
    Newest Most Voted
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments

    Latest articles

    From Social Media to Tragedy: Long Island Teen’s Shocking Assault on Two Boys

    Long Island Teen Arrested for Alleged Rape of Two Boys Met on Snapchat Smithtown, NY...

    Clash of Command: Federalizing California’s National Guard Against the Governor’s Will!

    Governor Newsom Sues President Trump Over Federalization of National Guard in California Conflict Over Immigration...

    Portland Man Faces 52 Charges in Shocking Case Involving Developmentally Delayed Girl

    Portland Man Arrested for Long-Term Sexual Abuse of Developmentally Delayed Girl Authorities Fear Additional Victims...

    Alabama’s Controversial Choice: Fifth Execution by Nitrogen Gas Raises Eyebrows

    Alabama Man Executed for 1988 Murder of Karen Lane Execution Marks Fifth State Use of...

    More like this

    New York City Rings in the Year with Record Low Murders and Shootings: A New Era of Safety?

    New York City Sees Historic Low in Murders and Shootings Data Reveals Unprecedented Crime Rates...

    Cracking Down on Corporate Corruption: DOJ’s Bold New Approach to White Collar Crime!

    Justice Department Shifts Focus on White Collar Crime Enforcement Washington, D.C. — March 14, 2023 In...

    Cybercrime Surges 33%: Why Property Crimes Are on the Rise, Yet FBI Stats Show a Decline!

    Cyberspace Crime Surge Contrasts with Declining Traditional Property Crime The latest FBI statistics create a...