Emil Rodriguez was a friendly and outgoing 17-year-old with plans for the future. A student at the Tides School in West Warwick, the Hispanic teen aspired to become an ironworker after graduation. He was an avid baseball player who had been part of two consecutive Washington Park Little League Championship teams. His family, who described themselves as "lost and broken" after his death, remembered how much he loved spending time with his baby sister and nephew.
On the night of February
1, 2024, Emil’s life was cut short in Providence, Rhode Island. Patrol officers were in the area of Neutaconkanut Park checking on a business alarm when they heard gunshots nearby. Investigating the sound, they found Emil lying in the street on Legion Memorial Drive. He had been fatally shot in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Providence Police Department launched a homicide investigation. One report from sources close to the case suggested Emil may have been lured to the park, which was typically vacant at night, by people he had arranged to meet. Police noted that no one who was with him at the time of the shooting called 911 or remained at the scene to speak with investigators.
On March 26, 2024, police announced a significant development with the arrest of a 14-year-old male. The teen, who was already being held at the Rhode Island Training School for another offense, was brought to Family Court and charged with murder, conspiracy, and firearm offenses in connection with Emil's death. At the time of the arrest, police stated that the investigation remained active and that they expected to make more arrests.
The suspect was later publicly identified as Je'Zare Benton, and his charge was specified as first-degree murder. After a multi-day bail hearing, a judge ordered Benton to be held without bail. As of August 2026, he remained in custody while awaiting his trial, which was scheduled for October 5.
