In the late morning hours of a Tuesday in Walhalla, South Carolina, a disturbance at the Country Ridge Apartments prompted a call to the police. When officers arrived at the scene, they encountered 27-year-old Ezequiel Rodriguez and soon discovered 31-year-old Angel Rodriguez Jr. lying on the floor, unconscious and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Medical personnel were quickly summoned to render aid to the severely injured man.
Angel was first transported to Prisma Health – Oconee Memorial Hospital for initial treatment. Due to the gravity of his injuries, he was then airlifted to the intensive care unit at Prisma Health – Greenville Memorial Hospital. Despite the efforts of the medical teams, Angel Rodriguez Jr. succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 12:10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 1, 2019. The Oconee County Coroner later classified his manner of death as a homicide.
Investigators with the Walhalla Police Department immediately began a thorough inquiry into the shooting. Ezequiel Rodriguez was detained at the scene as the investigation unfolded. After gathering evidence, which included conducting an autopsy and consulting with the 10th Circuit Solicitor's Office, the Walhalla Police Chief announced their findings. The investigation concluded that Ezequiel Rodriguez had acted in self-defense. Consequently, no criminal charges were filed against him in connection with the death of Angel Rodriguez Jr.
