Guilty Verdict In Trial Involving Battery Against Elderly Victim

District Attorney Announces Guilty Verdict In Recent Trial

August 10, 2016

Reno, Nevada

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office announced that a Reno man has been found guilty of battery involving the use of a deadly weapon. The conviction included an enhancement for having been committed against an elderly victim over 60 years of age, which carries an additional penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Daniel James Rodriguez, 31(dob 6/26/85)from Reno was found guilty of one count of Battery with a Deadly Weapon Against a Person 60 Years of Age or Older after a two day trial in Washoe County District Court. The trial began Monday and concluded yesterday evening after the jury deliberated two hours before finding Rodriguez guilty. 

The case against Rodriguez began on September 29, 2015 when a sergeant with the Reno Police Department was hailed by employees of the 7-Eleven convenience store located on 2^nd street.  The sergeant and responding officers were told by store employees that Rodriguez had stolen two cans of beer.  Officers attempted to cite Rodriguez but he refused to sign the form, which resulted in his arrest. While dealing with Rodriguez, officers noticed a laceration to his forehead which required stitches and he was transported to Renown for treatment prior to booking. While at the hospital, it was discovered that Rodriguez was wanted for a battery that had occurred a few hours earlier at a downtown Reno motel. Other Reno police officers had responded to that call and determined that Rodriguez had stabbed an elderly Reno man in the neck with a screwdriver.  The victim of the stabbing was transported to a local hospital, where he received treatment. Rodriguez was subsequently arrested and this Office filed formal criminal charges. 

During trial Prosecutors Paul Young and Matt Lee introduced evidence of Rodriguez repeatedly stabbing the elderly victim in the left side of his neck and about his head and face with a 4 to 6 inch standard screwdriver, which was never recovered. A witness, who was a friend of the victim, testified that he had pulled Rodriguez off of the victim and then saw the defendant flee the scene.

Rodriguez will be sentenced on October 12, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. in Department 6 of the Second Judicial District Court and faces from 3 to 30 years in prison for the charge.