Stony Point Man Who Shot, Killed Victim, Then Set Car Ablaze With Body Inside, Sentenced: DA

The victim was shot to death in 2021, then his car was set ablaze with his body inside, according to prosecutors.

By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo, Patch Staff

Apr 27, 2026 3:18 pm EDT | Updated Apr 27, 2026 3:50 pm EDT

A Stony Point, New York resident has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for a 2021 shooting homicide. The victim’s car, pictured, was later set on fire with the victim inside it along the Palisades Interstate Parkway. (Courtesy Rockland County District Attorney's Office.)

STONY POINT, NY — A local man accused of shooting and killing someone, and then setting the victim’s car ablaze near a highway with the victim inside, has been sentenced to 17 years in state prison.

Judge Kevin F. Russo recently imposed the sentence on Robert Rodriguez, 38, in Rockland County Court, according to the Rockland County District Attorney's Office.

After he serves the sentence, Rodriguez will be on post-release supervision for another five years.

In November, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for the Feb. 15, 2021 fatal shooting of 35-year-old Ronald Mann. The homicide happened in the area of 417 Call Hollow Rd., prosecutors said.

According to the district attorney’s office, Rodriguez then drove the victim's body to the ramp off Exit 16 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

“Rodriguez, in an effort to alter evidence, lit the victim's car, with the victim inside of it, on fire,” prosecutors said.

The vehicle was found in flames in the early morning of Feb. 16, 2021.

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “This defendant’s actions were calculated and callous, but the tireless work of law enforcement ensured the truth was uncovered.”

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