Oak Forest woman’s death still under investigation
BY STEVE METSCH smetsch@southtownstar.com December 21, 2012 1:50PM
An Illinois State Police crime scene investigator works the scene of a suspicious fire at 15230 S. Central Avenue in Oak Forest Tuesday, December 18, 2012. | Brett Roseman~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: January 24, 2013 6:33AM
The strangulation of an Oak Forest woman, found Tuesday in her fire-ravaged house, remains under investigation, but Police Chief Greg Anderson said Friday that police were able to talk to the woman’s husband, who had his throat slashed.
No one has been charged in the death of Erica Rodriguez, 40, of the 15200 block of Central Avenue, Anderson said. Her death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Anderson declined to say what police learned from Martin Rodriguez and has not divulged other details of the investigation, including how he was wounded. The chief would not say whether someone broke into the house.
“I can’t get into specifics of the evidence,” he said. “We’ve never had a crime like this in Oak Forest before. There are a lot of theories out there. We are investigating every potential angle.”
On Friday, he reminded residents to ask for identification if a stranger comes to their door.
“If you see something suspicious, give us a call,” Anderson said.
The Rodriguezes have three children. Oak Forest police and Erica’s family and friends have established a fund at Carlinville National Bank, 5459 W. 159th St., Oak Forest, to aid the family. New clothes and toys are being collected at the police department, 15440 Central Ave.
