Man Pleads Guilty To Hate Crime, Dad Doesn't Believe Him

The suspect's father, Daniel Rodriguez Sr.

Earlier today 22-year-old Daniel Rodriguez Jr. pleaded guilty to beating and robbing Jack Price specifically because he is openly gay. He admitted to taunting Price with gay slurs before beating him up, leaving him in a medically-induced coma, and taking his cash. However, Rodriguez's father seems to have still not come to terms with his sons misdeeds. He told the Post, "This incident came about because of an argument over some kind of writing of graffiti on the wall of the deli. I’d like to apologize to Jack Price and his family, but this didn’t happen because he was gay...and [Price] knows that."

Daniel Rodriguez Sr. has previously taken responsibility for his son's behavior, telling the press, "I caused him the harm the minute I stopped being a father to my son. I hurt him." Rodriguez Jr. allegedly told Price on the night of the beating, "My father is a C.O. [correction officer]. You will never do anything to us." A commenter told us that Rodriguez Jr. had found Price writing graffiti "offering gay sexual acts" at a College Point deli, but Price insists he did nothing to provoke the attack. Daniel Aleman pleaded guilty to robbery as a hate crime last week, and both men face up to eight years in prison.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jaya Saxena in News on December 1, 2010 3:16 PM

Comments [rss]

Guest

How come it's always about hate or bias? I know that when anger enters the equation, anything can happen, especially slurs flying about haphazardly. I love gay people, but if one pissed me off enough to make me beat them (and it would take a lot to do that), something derogatory might come out of my mouth too. It's human nature.

OSN!

I'm gonna say something that'll piss a few off, but that dude Price sounds like a douche and maybe he was asking for it. That said, those 2 dudes gave Price a harsh beating, and they robbed him. Obviously they're aren't angels like his old man claims.

adamsteve

you should really consider getting help, if you honestly believe he should be hurt, even if the suspects was flirted with. then you have some serious problems. just saying =))

Bakey

8 years is not enough for what they did to this guy.

Daniel Rodriguez did the right thing to pleaded guilty. Hopefully his dad will see the light and recognize this some day.