Philadelphia Cop Apparently Kills Wife, Himself Inside Juniata Park Home, Police Say
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide involving an 11-year veteran of the department and his wife in the Juniata Park section of the city. The couple was found inside the home on the 4600 block of Weymouth Street around 9:30 a.m. on Monday. They have been identified as 39-year-old Jose Rodriguez and 36-year-old Evelyse Rodriguez.
According to Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross, the couple's 17-year-old daughter called police to check on her parents' well-being. Ross says the daughter didn't hear from her father or mother for some time and tried to reach out to them around 2:30 a.m.
Police say Evelyse Rodriguez was found dead in the dining room with multiple gunshot wounds. Philadelphia Police Officer Jose Rodriguez was discovered in the basement with a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
Police say it was unclear if they were separated or estranged.
"Very tragic case and a very sad day for us," Ross said.
Police say a weapon was recovered at the scene.
The couple had two children, ages 17 and 11.
"It's very unfortunate that you have these two lives that have been ended this way, but also we got a 17-year-old and 11-year-old who lost both their parents," Ross said.
Ross added that Jose Rodriguez was supposed to show up for work last night but didn't. The officer was assigned to the 19th District.
Neighbors did not report hearing gunshots. One neighbor said he never thought there was any issues between the couple.
"He's a very quiet person. He never had a problem with nobody," he said.
It is unclear how long the deceased couple had been inside the house before officers made the discovery.
CBS3's Joe Holden contributed to this report.
