Update: Gwinnett County Police are announcing the Crime Stoppers reward being increased to $3,000 in hopes of soliciting tips about the homicide. Family members of Jimmy Rodriguez are at Gwinnett County Police headquarters to meet with media outlets and plea with the public to come forward with information. Detectives have been diligently working leads in the case but none have led to an arrest.

July 05, 2016: On July 2, 2016, at approximately 12:28 am, Gwinnett County Police received a 911 call regarding a vehicle accident at 9908 West National Circle in Norcross. When officers arrived, they determined the victim, Jimmy Rodriguez (18yo), had sustained a gunshot wound to the chest while driving his vehicle. The two adult male passengers in his vehicle were not injured. The Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene.

The investigation has determined that Rodriguez was driving his vehicle when he saw a friend at the intersection of Graves Road and East National Circle. The friend was having a verbal argument with two unknown Hispanic males. At that point, Rodriguez turned his vehicle around to help his friend. As Rodriguez's vehicle approached the two Hispanic males, one of the Hispanic males began shooting into his car. Rodriguez was struck once causing him to accelerate the vehicle and strike a parked car and fence. The two Hispanic males then fled the location in an unknown vehicle. Rodriguez was transported to GMC Lawrenceville where he later died of his injuries.

Detectives are working to determine the identity of the two males that fled the scene and are asking for witnesses to come forward with any information. The senseless loss of life in this situation is very sad and unfortunate. We ask for support from the community in this investigation and are hopeful that an arrest will be made quickly. Additional information regarding descriptions will be released as it becomes available. 

If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact Criminal Investigations at 770 513-5300.  To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404 577-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestoppersatlanta.org.  You can also text your tip to “Crimes” (274637).  Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.  Case Number(s): 16-060845