A North Bergen man has been arrested for a 2019 deadly home invasion after perjuring himself during a related trial, according to Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced.
Construction worker Dylan Rodriguez, a 21-year-old from 74th Street in North Bergen, was arrested on charges of felony murder; hindering apprehension; possession of weapon for unlawful purpose; and conspiracy to commit, perjury, and tampering with evidence.
The arrest is the result of an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Jason Love, which is a continuing investigation of the murder of David Duque-Soto which occurred in Fairview on June 29, 2019.
Perjury during related trial leads to charges
The perjury charges are based on the March 2, 2022 testimony of Rodriguez at the trial of Lexie Burke in Bergen County Superior Court for the murder of David Duque-Soto.
Rodriguez, who was sworn to testify truthfully under oath, perjured himself, specifically by providing false information during the trial, including about his role in the murder of Duque-Soto.
An investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit revealed that Rodriguez provided a handgun that was utilized during the murder of David Duque-Soto on June 29, 2019, contrary to Rodriguez’s sworn testimony.
On July 24, Rodriguez was arrested and charged with first-degree felony murder; first-degree accomplice liability to commit armed robbery; second-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose; second-degree conspiracy to commit armed robbery; third-degree perjury; third-degree hindering apprehension; and fourth-degree tampering with evidence.
First court appearance pending
He was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending his first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Prosecutor Musella states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
