On November 16, 2024, at approximately 4:15 a.m., a tragic incident occurred at the Uptown Shopping Center in Richland, Washington, resulting in the death of 36-year-old Michael Anthony Perkins. Richland Police Department responded to a disturbance call and found Perkins deceased upon arrival. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest, in a breezeway adjacent to Lee's Tahitian Restaurant on the Jadwin Avenue side of the shopping center.
Michael Perkins, who had a history of mental health challenges including schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, was known to frequently sleep in the breezeway of the shopping center. His brother, Steaven, revealed that Michael often experienced delusions, which led to him arguing with himself loudly. Despite efforts to help him, Michael's mental health issues made it difficult for him to consistently pursue treatment.
The investigation into Perkins' death led to the identification of a suspect, 28-year-old Isiah Nathanial Rodriguez. On November 21, 2024, Rodriguez was apprehended in Portland, Oregon, following the issuance of a $1 million arrest warrant by Benton County Superior Court. Richland Police Chief Martin Pilcher confirmed the arrest during a press briefing.
Court documents revealed that the incident began when Rodriguez allegedly attempted to steal a woman's jacket. Perkins intervened to defend the woman, leading to a confrontation between the two men. During this altercation, Perkins was fatally shot.
Rodriguez has been charged with one count of second-degree murder in connection with Perkins' death. The arrest was a collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kennewick Criminal Apprehension Team, the Benton County Sheriff's Office Proactive Team, the West Richland Police Department, the Portland Police Bureau, and the U.S. Marshal Service.
This incident marked the sixth homicide in Benton County for the year 2024. The Richland Police Criminal Investigation Division and Street Crimes Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and have asked anyone with additional information to contact the station, referencing case number 24-048510.
