By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



The Gardendale Police Department has taken its search for a murder suspect to Florida, at least temporarily.

Police Chief Mike Walker said an evidence technician and a wrecker were dispatched to Bradenton, Fla., to retrieve a pick-up truck that belongs to Hedilberto ‘’Eddie’’ Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is wanted in connection with the April 13 shooting death of Rufina Granados Gutierrez. The truck was reportedly found abandoned by Bradenton authorities.

Gutierrez, an employee at Habaneros restaurant on Odum Road in Gardendale, was found dead in the parking lot from gunshot wounds.

Walker said Rodriguez allegedly shot Gutierrez as she stood in the doorway of the truck. The two were alleged to have had a past relationship and were engaged in a discussion prior to the shooting.

The truck has been described as a tan or gold 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with Alabama tag number 51204AT.

Walker said the department is expected to have the truck back this week and will then hold it for evidence processing.

In addition to the department’s search for Rodriguez, Walker said the department has received help from the U.S. Marshals agency.

“We’re enlisting all resources that are available to us,” Walker said. “We have a good relationship with them and they’ve helped us on several cases. We’re still very optimistic that we’re going to catch this guy.”