PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) — The family of a missing Phoenix woman is asking for the public’s help as detectives investigate her disappearance as a homicide. Veronica Mondragon-Rodriguez, 28, was last seen near I-17 and Indian School Road on June 27. Her family reported her missing on July 15.
During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, police shed new light on the investigation and why they believe Mondragon-Rodriguez was the victim of a “very violent murder.” Witnesses told detectives that Mondragon-Rodriguez was attacked, possibly by a man she knew who lived in the same area. He’s described as a Hispanic man who goes by the name “Soldier.” Based on those witness accounts, police believe she was killed, and her body was moved to another location.
Mondragon-Rodriguez’s siblings are also pleading for the public’s help learning what happened to her. Her brother, Juan Rodriguez, said she had been going through a rough time and was living on the streets. However, they say they always stayed in touch and knew something was wrong when they stopped hearing from her.
“We just want, if anybody out there knows anything, please help bring our sister to peace,” her brother said through tears. “We’re all she has, just us.”
Phoenix police, in conjunction with Silent Witness, is asking anyone with information on what happened to Mondragon-Rodriguez to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously through the Silent Witness website or by calling 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446). Information leading to an arrest could mean a recently-increased reward of up to $2,000.
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