Los Angeles, California: A mistrial was declared on Tuesday in the trial of former Long Beach Unified School District safety officer Eddie Gonzalez, charged with the murder of 18-year-old Manuela “Mona” Rodriguez. After two days of deliberations, the jury was deadlocked with a split of 7-5 favoring convicting Gonzalez of second-degree murder. The shooting of Rodriguez occurred on September 27, 2021, near Millikan High School in Long Beach.
Judge Richard M. Goul dismissed the jury after it was unable to reach a unanimous decision. Gonzalez, 54, remains out on bond as he awaits the next steps in his legal proceedings, scheduled for a pretrial hearing in Long Beach on July 17. Rodriguez was shot and critically injured while seated in a vehicle with her boyfriend in a Long Beach parking lot.
Captured on video and widely publicized, the incident led to Rodriguez’s death days later after she was taken off life support. During the trial, jurors were presented with evidence and testimonies, including arguments from both the prosecution and defense. The prosecutor alleged that Gonzalez acted out of line by using deadly force, while the defense argued that Gonzalez was acting in self-defense, fearing for his safety.
Multiple videos of the incident, including surveillance footage and cell phone recordings, showed the moments leading up to the shooting. Rodriguez’s family reached a $13 million settlement in a lawsuit against the school district related to her death. The lawsuit claimed negligence in Gonzalez’s hiring and training and highlighted policy violations in shooting at a moving vehicle.
Following the mistrial declaration, both parties will likely prepare for a potential retrial to seek a resolution in the case. The community remains divided on the outcome, with questions remaining about the events that led to Rodriguez’s tragic death and the accountability of those involved. As legal proceedings continue, the memory of Manuela Rodriguez lives on, with her family hoping for justice and closure in the aftermath of the shooting.
The shooting incident has raised concerns about the role and actions of safety officers in schools, prompting discussions about proper training and protocol for dealing with confrontational situations. As the legal process unfolds, the impact of such incidents on communities and families serves as a reminder of the need for accountability and justice.