Police charge R.I. man with killings

JOHNSTON, R.I. – Police on Monday charged a man with killing his girlfriend and her adult daughter and then kidnapping her young son, touching off a search that ended when the 2-year-old was found wandering alone outside.

Daniel Rodriguez broke into the home of Evelyn Burgos, 40, on Sunday before fatally shooting her and her 25-year-old daughter, Vanessa Perez, and abducting Isaiah Perez, Johnston police Chief Richard S. Tamburini said.

Isaiah Perez was found unharmed Sunday night after a police officer spotted him at a public housing complex in Providence, about 10 miles from the town where his mother and sister were killed. He was taken to the hospital and was temporarily placed in the care of state child welfare officials.

Rodriguez, who is either 27 or 28, was arraigned Monday on two counts of murder as well as on burglary, kidnapping and gun charges. He was arrested in Providence on Sunday and is being held without bail; police did not give an address for him. Rodriguez had no comment as he was led out of the Johnston Police Department to be taken to the state prison.

Authorities said Rodriguez is Burgos’ boyfriend, but not the boy’s father.