A San Angelo man has been convicted of Injury to an Elderly Individual following a jury trial this week.
According to information from 119th District Attorney John Best’s office, on June 28, the defendant, Robert Rodriguez, 42, attacked an 88-year-old man at the North Walmart on 29th Street, following a disagreement that began when both men were on a transit district bus.
The jury found Rodriguez guilty of pushing the man violently backward, and causing him to fall, which injured his hand, knee and elbow.
The case was prosecuted by First Asst. District Attorney Ashley Knight before Judge Gonzalo Rios, who along with the jury viewed the incident, which was captured on Walmart’s surveillance system.
The trial convened Monday, and after hearing all of the testimony, and viewing photographs, the jury deliberated almost an hour before finding Rodriguez guilty of intentionally or knowingly causing bodily injury to an elderly individual.
According to the district attorney, the defendant requested that the jury assess his punishment.
During that phase of the trial, the jury heard testimony from the victim, and the State introduced evidence of three prior misdemeanor judgments against Rodriguez for a pair of assault cases and a criminal trespass charge between 2016 to 2023.
According to the DA’s Office, the victim expressed forgiveness for the defendant, and
his desire for the defendant to get help.
Dr. Leana Baggett Talbott, a local forensic psychologist, testified for the defense about the mental health history of Rodriguez.
After imposing a 3-year prison sentence, the jury was dismissed with the thanks of the Court.
