Jury Convicts San Angelo Man for Assaulting 88-Year-Old

SAN ANGELO, TX — A Tom Green County jury convicted a San Angelo man this week of assaulting an 88-year-old man in a Walmart parking lot last year. 

Robert Rodriguez, 42, was found guilty on Oct. 6 of assaulting an elderly person, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The incident occurred in June 2024 in the parking lot of the Walmart on 29th Street after Rodriguez and the victim argued when exiting a bus.

Rodriguez charged at the man and pushed him, causing him to fall in a crosswalk. The 88-year-old suffered injuries to his hand, knee, and elbow. Surveillance footage from Walmart captured the assault.

Jurors deliberated for less than an hour before reaching a guilty verdict, citing photographic and video evidence presented during trial.

During the punishment phase, prosecutors presented three prior misdemeanor convictions against Rodriguez — two for assault and one for criminal trespass — dating from 2016 to 2023. The victim testified, expressing forgiveness and a desire for Rodriguez to receive mental health treatment.

Dr. Leana Baggett Talbott, a forensic psychologist, testified for the defense regarding Rodriguez’s mental health history. The jury sentenced Rodriguez to three years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

A sentencing date has not yet been set.