Man arrested for murder of his father in El Mirage home

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of second-degree murder in connection with the death of his father at an El Mirage home.

On Wednesday, someone contacted a Department of Public Safety trooper to tell them about a dead body in a home near Phoenix-Wickenburg Highway and Thunderbird Road.

El Mirage police officers found Salvador Ortiz Rivera Jr. dead in the home. His son, Michael Lee Rodriguez, was identified as a person of interest.

Rodriguez was arrested on multiple felony charges, including second-degree murder.

“Thanks to the quick actions of our officers and law enforcement partners, we were able to identify a suspect and take him off the streets,” Chief Paul Marzocca said in a statement. “I want to express our condolences to the family and friends of the victim and assure the community that their safety is our number one priority.”

The investigation is ongoing.

The exact cause of death was not released.

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