A probationer who gunned down an Indio woman without ever giving a clear reason why is slated to be sentenced Tuesday to more than 30 years to life in state prison.
Johnny Jose Rodriguez, 32, of Indio, pleaded guilty earlier this month to second-degree murder, as well as sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, under a pretrial agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. No charges were dismissed under the plea bargain.
Superior Court Judge Kristi Hester is set to impose the sentence required under state law during a hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio Tuesday.
The defendant, who is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta, fatally shot 32-year-old Angela Struzas inside her home at 38555 Rancho Los Coyotes Drive, near Avenue 38, on Jan. 14, 2020.
Indio Police Department Detective Kelly Hawkins testified during a 2020 preliminary hearing that detectives were taken aback when they entered the victim’s room to collect evidence.
“She was just drenched in blood, in a pool of blood,” the detective said.
Detective Matthew Gutting said Rodriguez immediately admitted perpetrating the shooting while being questioned by investigators, saying “I’m a good aim.”
Gutting said the defendant described firing a bullet into Struzas’ arm with a gun that he claimed at the time was handed to him minutes earlier by the woman’s housemate, who allegedly told Rodriguez to “get her.” Another shot killed the victim.
The defendant would not specify what led to the attack. The housemate, whose identity was not disclosed, was arrested alongside Rodriguez, but detectives ultimately determined the party had no part in the deadly attack.
The defendant underwent medical examinations to determine whether he was mentally competent to stand trial, leading to a brief round of psychiatric treatment before criminal proceedings resumed.
He had a prior conviction for possession of controlled substances for sale.