Rockland Man Accused Of Murder Over 2021 Snowbank Car Fire

STONY POINT, NY — Three years after firefighters found a body after putting out a car fire in a snowbank on the Palisades Parkway, New York State police have made an arrest.

Robert Rodriguez of Stony Point faces a charge of second-degree murder, state police said Monday.

Rodriguez, 36, was arrested on Friday.

State police found a grey 2021 Hyundai Sonata was found by troopers at about 2 a.m. Feb. 16, 2021 on the southbound side of the Palisades Parkway at exit 16 in the town of Stony Point. It was in a snowbank, engulfed in flames.

One person was found dead after the Stony Point Fire Department extinguished the fire.

Investigation revealed him to be Ronald Mann, from The Bronx. The Rockland County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Mann had suffered from a gunshot wound and his death was ruled a homicide.

An extensive investigation by the New York State Police, Troop F, Bureau of Criminal Investigation led to the arrest, police said.

SEE: Police Seek Public's Help On Fatal Palisades Parkway Crash, Fire

Rodriguez was arraigned in the Town of Stony Point Justice Court in front of Judge Franks and sent to the Rockland County Jail without bail.

The New York State Police were assisted in this investigation by New York State Fire, the Stony Point Police Department, The Town of Haverstraw Police Department, the Suffern Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.