Kevin Rodriguez, convicted of second-degree murder in a 2019 stabbing, has filed a motion for a new trial claiming juror misconduct. The juror, Connor Wohlleben, allegedly stabbed two people days after the trial. Rodriguez argues this raises questions about the juror's fitness during deliberations.
Kevin Rodriguez, 35, was convicted on April 10 in Snohomish County Superior Court of second-degree murder in the 2019 death of Evodio Garcia Martinez, 56, along with two assault counts. The incident took place on February 9, 2019, in an apartment in Monroe, Washington, about 30 miles northeast of Seattle. Rodriguez had previously been found guilty of manslaughter in 2021 but won a new trial on appeal and represented himself in the recent proceedings, according to court records cited by local outlets including the Seattle Times and The Daily Herald. During his arrest, Rodriguez told police, 'I hurt him, I hurt him.' He faces sentencing on May 13. Rodriguez's motion, filed after the verdict, alleges misconduct by Juror 14, identified as Connor Wohlleben, a 20-year-old from South Everett who reportedly stabbed two people on April 13 at a townhome near 112th Street Southwest and State Route 99. Wohlleben, who authorities say suffers from schizophrenia, forced his way into the home—where he was known to some residents—and claimed he was 'sent by Jesus' and the 'right hand of Jesus,' per the motion and law enforcement reports. A 22-year-old woman subdued him with a chokehold until deputies arrived. Snohomish County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Courtney O'Keefe praised her, saying, 'Absolutely courageous of the 22-year-old. Her actions potentially saved the lives of her family members and herself.' Wohlleben faces charges of burglary and two counts of first-degree assault, with bail set at $500,000; he remains in custody. The motion requests an evidentiary hearing to probe Wohlleben's mental state during Rodriguez's trial.