An Arizona man has been arrested and charged after investigators say he killed his father, concealed the body in a vehicle repair pit beneath plywood, and later admitted to the fatal confrontation during questioning.
According to the El Mirage Police Department, Michael Rodriguez, 48, is facing charges of second-degree murder, abandonment or concealment of a dead body, and a probation violation in connection with the death of his father, Salvador Ortiz Rivera Jr. Authorities have not released the victim’s age.
Investigation Began With a Tip at a Gas Station
The investigation started on Wednesday when an Arizona state trooper was approached by a man at a QuikTrip gas station. The man informed the trooper that a body could be found at a home on North Luna Street in El Mirage, a suburb located about 25 miles northwest of Phoenix.
According to court documents, the tipster told police that Rodriguez had encouraged him to visit Rivera’s home and take whatever property he wanted. However, when the man entered the residence, he allegedly discovered Rivera’s body and decided not to remove any belongings.
Alleged Attempt to Retrieve Victim’s Wallet
Police said the tipster later disclosed that Rodriguez returned to his home early Wednesday morning with another man. The group then went back to Rivera’s residence because Rodriguez allegedly wanted to recover his father’s wallet, believing the victim had $5,000 in a bank account.
The tipster told investigators he refused to remove the wallet from the deceased man’s body and instead falsely told Rodriguez that the wallet was already gone.
After leaving the property, the man decided to notify authorities and reported the incident after encountering the state trooper at the QuikTrip.
Body Found Hidden in Vehicle Repair Pit
Officers responding to the residence searched the property and found Rivera’s decomposing body concealed inside a concrete-lined vehicle repair pit located beneath a carport-type structure.
According to police, the body had been covered with a sheet of plywood in an apparent attempt to hide it.
Investigators also reported that Rivera had a plastic bag over his head and injuries suggesting he had been strangled.
The tipster told detectives he had last seen Rivera alive sometime on Saturday or Sunday before the body was discovered.
Rodriguez Allegedly Described an Argument With Father
Detectives later located Rodriguez at his nearby residence and questioned him about the incident.
According to charging documents, Rodriguez admitted he had ongoing conflicts with his father. He allegedly told investigators that he was “not like his dad” and claimed Rivera had previously caused him to spend six years in prison.
Police said Rodriguez also described his father as someone who drank heavily and said the two became involved in an argument.
Suspect Claimed He ‘Lost It’
According to investigators, Rodriguez said the confrontation escalated after his father allegedly called him “crazy.”
Police allege Rodriguez told detectives that he “lost it” during the argument and claimed he blacked out. He reportedly said that when he regained awareness, his father was dead.
According to the arrest documents, Rodriguez told investigators his immediate concern was figuring out how to dispose of the body.
He also allegedly admitted to striking Rivera in the head with a metal bar before disposing of both the weapon and the shoes he had been wearing during the incident.
Statements Made During Court Hearing
During his initial court appearance, Rodriguez made several statements regarding his father.
According to reports from the hearing, he claimed he had no regrets about the incident and alleged that his father had connections to “La Familia.”
Addressing the court, Rodriguez said, “You know who my dad is? La Familia. That’s who he is. That’s who he was. A bad dude. A bad man. I had to stop him.”
Authorities have not confirmed the allegations Rodriguez made about his father during the hearing.
Charges and Custody Status
Rodriguez is currently being held in the Maricopa County Jail on a $2 million bond.
He faces charges of second-degree murder, abandonment or concealment of a dead body, and a probation violation. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Rodriguez have not yet been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
