EDMONTON – Homicide investigators have arrested and charged an Edmonton man in connection with the death of Jose Rodriguez, who was found dead in his apartment on 83 Street and Jasper Avenue on June 3.
Police have charged 23-year-old Melvin Simon John Mitchell with second-degree murder, possession of an offensive weapon, robbery, and offering indignity to a dead body.
A Medical Examiner determined 68-year-old Rodriguez was stabbed to death.
Mitchell was also charged in the death of 51-year-old Curtis Dugray, who was found dead in the Oliver neighbourhood, near 99 Avenue and 111 Street on May 30.
Second-degree murder and possession of an offensive weapon charges were laid June 13.
Mitchell was taken into police custody June 12.
“Mr Mitchell, we know, is from the Northwest Territories,” said Staff Sgt. Bill Clark on Tuesday. “We do know that Mr. Mitchell has been in Edmonton for a period of ten to 12 months. He has some involvement with the police. He is well-known to the police, not just in Edmonton but in the Northwest Territories. Since his time in Edmonton, he’s basically been a homeless male. He’s of no fixed address.”
Clark says Mitchell and Rodriguez met at a work site, and struck up a conversation. It’s believed Mitchell was invited back to Rodriguez’s apartment and an alteration occurred that resulted in Rodriguez’s death.
At a news conference earlier in June, Clark said both Rodriguez and Dugray appear to have had high-risk lifestyles. However, he specified they were involved in different kinds of high-risk behaviour.
“We have nothing else to indicate he’s been involved in any other homicides,” said Clark.
“The only relationship between the two homicides is the fact that Mr. Mitchell came into contact with both people.”
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