Tampa man gets 2 life sentences for beating girlfriend, unborn child to death: SAO

File video: Jay Rodriguez is charged with two counts of second-degree murder in 2020.

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tampa man responsible for the death of his girlfriend and her unborn baby was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to two life sentences, according to the State Attorney’s Office.

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Jay Rodriguez was found guilty by a jury for kicking and hitting his girlfriend repeatedly, and stomping on her stomach while she was six months pregnant. The victim’s roommate told the jury she attempted to intervene during the beating.

However, the girlfriend was pronounced dead at a hospital due to her head injuries and blunt force trauma, according to the medical examiner. Doctors were able to deliver her baby, but the child only lived for 20 minutes.

Rodriguez has a lengthy criminal history, as he served 10 years for armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, and aggravated assault charges. After being released in 2013, he spent another five years in state prison for an attempted armed robbery in Tampa.

Rodriguez committed the double murder just two years after his latest release from prison.

“This monster will no longer be able to hurt another human being because he will spend the rest of his life behind bars,” State Attorney Suzy Lopez said. “While our office is encouraged that justice was finally served for the victim and her baby, we know nothing can bring back these two innocent lives. Our hearts are with their families as they continue through the grieving process.”

Anyone who knows of, or is a victim, of domestic violence can call The Spring of Tampa Bay’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 813-247-7233. To learn more about their services, visit TheSpring.org.

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