DANBY — Vermont State Police arrested a third suspect on Monday, Feb. 5, in connection with the homicide of 17-year-old Isiah Rodriguez that occurred on Feb. 2, 2022, in Danby.
Elijah Johnson, 22, of Manchester, was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for a charge of accessory after the fact.
Johnson faces additional charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and aiding in the commission of a felony.
He was apprehended in Burlington after being released from federal custody on unrelated charges and transported to the Rutland Barracks for processing.
Johnson is being held at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility for lack of $15,000 bail.
The arraignment for Johnson is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Bennington.
Authorities previously arrested Ashley Wicks, 32, and Shawn Bulson, 28, both of Bennington, on Jan. 29.
They were charged with being accessories after the fact to the fatal shooting.
Wicks also faces a charge of conspiracy to commit murder.
Their arraignments were held on Jan. 30, in Bennington.
Investigators believe the homicide stemmed from a dispute involving drug trafficking and stolen firearms.
The case has been under investigation since Rodriguez’s body was found on Danby Mountain Road on Feb. 3, 2022.
The affidavit of probable cause has been filed with the Bennington court.
Members of the media may contact the Court Clerk’s Office for confirmation of hearing details.
State police encourage anyone with information relevant to the case to come forward by contacting the VSP’s Rutland Barracks at 802-773-9101.
Updates on the case will be provided as the investigation continues.
