SARATOGA COUNTY, NY – After a nearly three-week trial, a Saratoga County Jury returned a verdict finding Justin Rodriguez guilty of several charges, including Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, on Thursday. The charges relate to a fatal crash that occurred on Monday, September 15, 2022.
The evidence at trial showed Rodriguez, despite having four prior drunk driving convictions and a permanently revoked driver’s license, was behind the wheel when he struck and killed Alex Bleickhardt, a 33-year-old tow truck driver. Rodriguez was also found to be driving under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.26%, and had cocaine and cannabis in his system.
In addition to the intoxication, Rodriguez illegally possessed a loaded semi-automatic pistol in his vehicle. As a convicted felon, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
District Attorney Karen Heggen stated, “We are pleased the jury recognized the seriousness of the defendant’s actions by finding him guilty of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide.”
The jury also found Rodriguez guilty of disregarding the Move Over Law. Rodriguez will face up to 25 years for the Aggravated Vehicular Homicide charge and a consecutive 15-year sentence for the Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree charge. Sentencing is scheduled for September 14, at 10 a.m.