Jose Rodriguez, 44, was found dead in the middle of the road near North S Street and West Lee Street in Pensacola on the evening of December 11, 2018. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting just before 7 p.m. and discovered his body at the scene; authorities did not immediately disclose the cause of death. Rodriguez was a father of five and was remembered by his mother, Lucy Rodriguez, as someone who often helped homeless people by providing food, water, and shelter.

A longtime friend, Joey Morrison, said the killing might be tied to a dispute over a car Rodriguez had recently bought, with Morrison alleging the seller wanted the vehicle back. The Sheriff’s Office later named 28-year-old Christopher Armond Odoms Rankine as a person of interest sought for questioning. No arrests have been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.

If anyone knew Jose, saw activity near North S Street and West Lee Street on the night of December 11, 2018, or has information about Rankine’s whereabouts, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers.