The vigil was set to be held near the exact spot where the bodies of her daughter, Kayla Cuevas, and her daughter’s 15-year-old friend Nisa Mickens were found. Four members of the MS-13 gangwere charged with the pair’s deaths.
Local station News 12, which was present at the time in order to attend the vigil, went on to share video footage that appeared to show Rodriguez confronting the driver. The outlet went on to report that following the confrontation, the SUV accelerated towards Rodriguez and ran her over.
Michael Noble Jr. for The Washington Post via Getty
Rodriguez was pronounced dead after being taken to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, New York, according to theTimes.
While the driver of the vehicle has not been arrested, theinvestigation is still ongoing, reported Fox News.
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“My thoughts and prayers are with Evelyn Rodriguez this evening, along with her family and friends. #RIPEvelyn,” he wrote.
In addition to appearing on a gang violence forum alongside the president in May, Rodriguez also attended Trump’s first-everState of the Union addressin January, where Trump mentioned her daughter in his speech.
Suffolk County District Attorney Tim Sini — who served as police commissioner at the time of Rodriguez’s daughter’s murder — also mourned the loss of Rodriguez.
“Evelyn Rodriguezendured unspeakable tragedywhen her daughter was murdered two years ago. As a parent, I cannot imagine functioning after the loss of a child, but Evelyn was able to turn that tragedy into a mission for good. She harvested her grief and used it as a catalyst for positive change on behalf of her community and on behalf of this country,” he wrote.
“Evelyn is one of the strongest people I have ever met in my life. I am proud to have worked with her and even more proud to have called her a friend. I know I speak for everyone who knew Evelyn in saying that we are truly heartbroken over her loss,” he added.
In a statement to theTimes,Sini said that while he couldn’t comment about the investigation, Rodriguez’s death “had nothing to do with MS-13.”
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Additionally, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo also released a statement mourning “the tragic loss” of Rodriguez, who remained a fierce advocate against gang violence “in the wake of the unspeakable tragedy of her daughter’s death.”
“I have directed the State Police to provide any assistance and resources to the Suffolk County Police Department as they investigate the circumstances surrounding Evelyn’s death at today’s memorial vigil,” headded.
New York State Representative Peter King, who was on his way to the vigil on Friday, said the incident occurred close to an hour before the memorial was scheduled to start, according toCBS New York.
In a separate remark shared with the Associated Press, King called Rodriguez’s death “a tragedy beyond belief.”
“Everyone is in shock,” he added. “What more could happen to one woman?”
source: people.com
