MIAMI (WSVN) - A 27-year-old man who was arrested after he vandalized the gravesites of two people killed in West Miami-Dade on New Year’s Day in 2021 has accepted a plea deal.
According to police, in June of 2023, Brian Rodriguez recorded himself on video spray-painting and maliciously destroying a tombstone belonging to Andres Zacarias and Jenser Salazar, who lost their lives due to a drunk driving incident on Jan. 1, 2021, along West 79th Street and West Flagler Street.
Cameras that were placed at the Caballero Rivero Woodlawn North Cemetery by officials made it evident that Rodriguez was at the cemetery in June, which helped detectives with their case.
Investigators said Rodriguez vandalized the gravesites five times.
After being arrested, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to the vandalism.
On Friday, Rodriguez was handcuffed and was taken into the county jail, where he will serve 30 days. He will then be on house arrest for 24 months with psychiatric evaluations.
The judge gave him strict orders, and if he doesn’t comply, Rodriguez could face up to 10 years in state prison.
“I’ve read [the doctor’s] report, and if it weren’t for that report, I would not have accepted this plea deal,” said Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Carmen Cabarga.
During his court appearance, the sisters of the victims, Andres Zacarias and Jenser Salazar, were also present. They looked Rodriguez in the eyes and said what they have been wanting to say for the past three years.
“We’ve been waiting for a long time for this to happen, and I finally get to say that this chapter’s closing, and we can actually just be at peace, you know, in the place where we’re supposed just go to and be there for our brothers,” said Haydee, Salazar’s sister.
“I feel if somebody was sorry, you could at least say, ‘I’m sorry,’ at least,” said Ingrid, Zacarias’ sister. “You’re hearing everything you’re being accused of, and you can’t say I’m sorry just there? You’re not sorry, number one. Number two, everything was done with hate.”
Rodriguez also harassed the family members of the victims, including the two sisters.
“You would send me text messages! You thought I didn’t know? Through DM video, called me and sent me the video of you destroying their tomb,” said Ingrid.
“What is done in the dark will always come to light,” said Haydee.
Rodriguez went to middle school with both Andres and Jenser.
The sisters believe he disliked their brothers.
“He better not do it again,” said Ingrid.
Rodriguez had no connection to the accident that killed Andres and Jenser.
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