Murder investigation leads to marijuana lab

Jennifer Rodriguez charged with armed trafficking, child neglect

PALMETTO BAY, Fla. ā€“ Detectives conducting a murder investigation found a marijuana lab inside a home late Friday.

Police arrested 37-year-old Jennifer Rodriguez on Saturday. She faces several charges, including armed trafficking and child neglect.

Inside her home in the 16000 block of Southwest 77th Court late Friday, police found the body of her 36-year-old husband, Israel Rodriguez, who had been shot to death. When officers served a search warrant, they found a hydroponic lab.

According to court documents, police found 319 pounds of marijuana with an estimated street value of $1.2 million.

On the other side of the wall was the girl's playroom. Judge Rosa Figarola ruled Monday that Rodriguez's daughter would be placed in the custody of her grandparents.

"I would ask that you right now not talk to her about where she's going to live and everything right now because everything is very unsettled," said Figarola.

During another hearing Monday, Judge Migna Sanchez-Llorens ruled Rodriguez will be held without bond.


About the Authors

Glenna Milberg joined Local 10 News in September 1999 to report on South Florida's top stories and community issues. She also serves as co-host on Local 10's public affairs broadcast, "This Week in South Florida."

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