Rodriguez-Ruffridge was facing a charge of first-degree murder in the October 2023 shooting of his father, Jason Ruffridge. As part of the jury’s instructions, jurors were able to consider first degree murder and every lesser offense, including involuntary manslaughter.

“We are disappointed in the outcome and for the family of Jason Ruffridge,” said Webster County First Assistant County Attorney Brad McIntyre. “We always respect the jury and their hard work and decision making.”

Rodriguez-Ruffridge’s trial began last week and was delayed due to the winter weather.

During the trial, Webster County Assistant Attorneys McIntyre and Bailey Taylor told jurors that Rodriguez-Ruffridge had shot his father on Oct. 1, 2023, because he was angry with him after his father called him ‘ungrateful.’ They argued that he had made a conscious decision to retrieve his Ruger .380 handgun from his bedroom and shot Ruffridge four times, including the fatal shot to the head.

However, lead defense attorney Arach Wilson III argued that Rodriguez-Ruffridge was defending himself after Ruffridge had severely beaten him and had threatened to kidnap his 1-year-old daughter.

Rodriguez-Ruffridge took the stand and emotionally told jurors that he was scared for his own life and that of his young daughter.

Rodriguez-Ruffridge is now scheduled for sentencing at 9:30 a.m. April 21.