24-year-old man charged with soccer player’s death
Jan 19, 2012, 12:30 AM
Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) – Prosecutors filed charges against one of two people arrested in the death of a popular high school soccer player who was shot and killed in front of his California home.
Jason Schumann, of Calabasas, was charged with one count of murder in the fatal shooting of Francisco Javier Rodriguez Jr., the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said in a statement. Prosecutors will ask that his bail be set at $2 million at his arraignment later Wednesday.
No charges have been filed against 19-year-old Elizabeth Ibarra, who also was arrested for investigation of Rodriguez’s death and was being held without bail on a parole violation.
No motive was specified for the killing of Rodriguez, a 17-year-old soccer goalie at El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills. He was shot Jan. 11 shortly after returning home from a game.
Investigators have said only that the killing was “personally motivated.”
Deputy Chief Jorge Villegas said police were also seeking additional information from a person who submitted a specific anonymous tip that could help solidify the case.
Relatives said Rodriguez was killed after answering the door and stepping outside, where a red-haired woman had been seen. Police believe Ibarra lured Rodriguez into the front yard when he was shot. Ibarra apparently dyed her hair dark brown following the shooting, authorities said.
Schumann’s record includes assault with a deadly weapon, battery, narcotics violations and forgery. Ibarra’s record includes forgery, battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and identity theft.
Rodriguez’s family said he had no gang affiliation and that his life centered on soccer. Days before the shooting, Rodriguez came back home from a soccer tournament in Hawaii where he had spent a week and a half.
The murder weapon has not yet been recovered, Villegas said.
Police declined to reveal whether Rodriguez knew either suspect.
Authorities would only say there was a “significant relationship” between Schumann and Ibarra and the two are believed to be the only ones involved in the slaying.
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