Juror in Kevin Rodriguez trial arrested days later in separate stabbing case
The juror was allegedly involved in a violent stabbing days after the trial
A Washington state murder case has taken an unexpected turn after new allegations emerged involving a juror who helped convict the defendant.
Kevin Rodriguez, 35, was found guilty on April 10 of second-degree murder in the 2019 fatal stabbing of a 56-year-old man, along with two counts of assault for attacks on other victims.
However, his legal team is now seeking a new trial, claiming one of the jurors in the case was arrested just days after the verdict for a separate and similarly violent incident.
According to court filings, the juror, a 20-year-old man, was taken into custody on April 13 after allegedly breaking into a home in Everett, Washington, and stabbing two women, leaving them in critical condition.
Authorities said the suspect forced entry into the residence and attacked a 45-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter. A third person in the home reportedly subdued the attacker until deputies arrived.
The suspect has since been charged with burglary and two counts of first-degree assault and is being held on $1 million bail.
Rodriguez’s attorneys argue that the juror’s arrest raises serious concerns about his mental state during the trial and deliberations. They have requested an evidentiary hearing to examine whether the juror was fit to serve.
Reports indicate the suspect may suffer from schizophrenia, and authorities have described erratic behavior during the alleged attack, including statements suggesting delusional beliefs.
The defense has cited “juror misconduct” among the grounds for requesting a retrial, though they noted it is not the only issue being raised.
Rodriguez, who has maintained he acted in self-defense, was previously convicted of first-degree manslaughter in 2021 before that verdict was overturned on appeal, leading to a retrial.
He is currently awaiting sentencing following the latest conviction, which is scheduled for May.
The case remains under legal review as the court considers whether the new allegations could impact the validity of the verdict.