A 39-year-old Philadelphia police officer killed his estranged wife before taking his own life, investigators said. The police department is making efforts to promote suicide prevention and mental health awareness among the force.
What to Know
- A 19th District Philadelphia police officer is dead in an apparent murder-suicide.
- The 11-year-veteran and his wife were found dead Monday inside a Juniata Park home after he didn't report for work.
- Police identified the officer as 39-year-old Jose Rodriguez and his wife as 36-year-old Evelyse Rodriguez.
An active member of the Philadelphia police force appeared to kill his wife before taking his own life inside a home.
Officers visited the home of 39-year-old Jose Rodriguez along Weymouth Street in the Juniata Park neighborhood for a well-being check around 9:30 a.m. Monday. Jose Rodriguez, an 11-year veteran of the police force, didn't show up for work the night before. His daughter also told police she hadn't heard from her parents.
Firefighters helped officers break into the home. Once inside, police found the body of Jose Rodriguez's wife, 36-year-old Evelyse Rodriguez, in the dining room. Police Commissioner Richard Ross said she was shot multiple times throughout her body.
The officers then located Jose Rodriguez, who was assigned to the 19th police district, in the basement dead from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police said.
No neighbors heard any gunshots, possibly due to loud air conditioning units, Ross said.
The couple was possibly estranged, Ross said.
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They had three children, the oldest is 17.
Ross said the department has been taking measures to combat domestic violence and depression. He says suicide is an issue for departments across the country.
"We want to get people to the point where they know there is no shame in reaching out and getting assistance," Ross said. "You need to seek help and not be afraid to do so."
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP: The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or 800-787-3224 (TTY) provides people in distress, or those around them, with 24-hour support.
If you are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting 'Home' to 741741.
