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El Cajon PD Press Releases>
Conclusion of Double Homicide Trial
March 18, 2010
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Conclusion of Double Homicide Trial
DATE AND TIME OCCURRED: March 15, 2010
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: San Diego Superior Court, East County Branch
SUSPECT: John Anthony Rodriguez
RESUME OF INCIDENT: On September 29, 2001, the bodies of Lou Ann Nyugen and Salomon Ordonez, both victims of gunshot wounds, were found by El Cajon Police responding to a 911 call in the 700 block of E. Lexington Avenue, El Cajon. John Anthony Rodriguez, known as “Baldy”, was quickly identified as a person of interest, and it was determined he may have been involved in the burning of evidence associated with the murders, the remnants of which were located and seized for forensic analysis. Norman Almario Tuangco, an associate of Rodriguez, was arrested for weapons violations, and eventually deported to the Philippines. Rodriguez was arrested in Arizona in April, 2002, after a high speed pursuit in which he attempted suicide, however denied any involvement with the murders upon questioning. The case quickly went cold.
In 2003 the Cold Homicide Unit was formed and shortly thereafter re-opened this murder investigation, contacting various associates of Rodriguez and Tuangco. Evidence was collected from the Arizona arrest and Rodriguez’ activities were closely monitored. Forensic analysis of ammunition seized at the homicide scene was matched to ammunition seized in Arizona, further linking Rodriguez to this incident.
In April 2005, Rodriguez was arrested for narcotics related charges and booked into County Jail. While in custody he was formally charged with the murders of Nyugen and Ordonez, and the case was ultimately set for trial. On Monday, March 15, 2010, a jury found Rodriguez guilty of murder with special circumstances. His sentencing is set for April. There is an active arrest warrant for Norman Almario Tuangco for this crime. He is believed to be hiding in the Philippines.
The El Cajon Police Department is proud of its personnel, particularly those who worked countless hours bringing closure to the families of both victims. This includes Detective Lieutenant Setzer (ret.), Sergeants Miller, Murillo, Bradberry and Ferguson (ret.), Agent Rouleau, Detective Hays, and Evidence Technician Tara Fruchtenicht. We would also like to thank Santa Ana Police Forensic Firearms Examiner Rocky Edwards, San Diego District Attorney Investigator Richard Wissemann, and Deputy District Attorney Renee Palermo. Without their efforts this case would not have come to a successful conclusion.
PREPARED BY: Lt. Steve Shakowski
DIVISION: Investigations
DATE AND TIME: March 18, 2010
REVIEWED BY: Cpt. Cirello
Pat Sprecco, Chief Of Police
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