By TopTrendReportTv

February 13, 2025

Two Men Sentenced to 196 Years for 2023 Anderson Murder and Armed Robbery

ANDERSON, Ind. — Two men have been sentenced to a combined 196 years in prison for their roles in the 2023 murder and armed robbery of 41-year-old Timothy Kates.

Demarcus Davis and Roger Rodriguez were convicted of murder, felony murder, and armed robbery following a joint trial that concluded on January 10. Each received the maximum sentence of 65 years for murder and an additional 16 years for armed robbery. Both were also identified as habitual offenders, which added 15 years to their sentences. Davis received an extra four years due to a separate case violation, resulting in a 100-year total sentence, while Rodriguez was sentenced to 96 years.

The Crime

The case began on June 27, 2023, when Anderson Police responded to a residence on W. 13th Street around 10:30 p.m. Officers discovered Kates with multiple gunshot wounds near shards of broken glass, suggesting a disturbance had occurred before the shooting. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Court documents revealed the residence belonged to a cousin of Rodriguez, who claimed she had last seen him the day before the murder. Surveillance footage showed Rodriguez and an unidentified man sitting on the porch when a vehicle arrived. Rodriguez later appeared alone inside with Kates. Detectives believe one man was securing a firearm while Rodriguez remained with the victim.

Shortly after the shooting, Rodriguez was seen leaving the home with cash in his pocket. A neighbor reported speaking with him that night, asking if everything was okay, to which Rodriguez replied, “I got to get the f*** outta here.”

Investigation and Evidence

Detectives used surveillance footage, phone records, and witness testimony to build their case. Facebook messages revealed that Davis and Rodriguez had been involved in illegal drug and firearm transactions for months leading up to the murder.

Rodriguez was arrested on July 16, 2023, by Muncie police, while Davis was apprehended shortly after by U.S. Marshals in Mississippi.

Sentencing

Madison County Prosecutors described the crime as premeditated and violent. “This lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of their actions,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

Both men now face extensive prison terms, bringing closure to a complex and disturbing case.