A man from Tri-Cities has been handed a 23-year prison sentence for murdering a local father who intervened during a mugging at the Uptown Shopping Center. Benton County Superior Court Judge David Petersen emphasized that Isiah Nathanial Rodriguez, 29, from Richland, showed no remorse for killing Michael Perkins in November 2024.
The sentencing took place on Tuesday, filling the courtroom with members of the Perkins family who came to see justice served.
Sentencing of Rodriguez
Judge Petersen originally had a sentence in mind but had to reassess after listening to testimonies, including a recorded jail call from Rodriguez.
Rodriguez had run away from the scene and was apprehended several days later in Portland, Oregon.
During the sentencing, Petersen remarked on Rodriguez’s apparent disregard for human life, saying, “I went in thinking one thing, but the jail interview changed everything for me.”
In that interview, Rodriguez admitted to bringing a battle hammer and a pistol to the shopping center, intending to confront someone he believed had stolen his phone.
Michael Perkins, a 36-year-old bystander, saw the attack unfold from a nearby alley and jumped in to help. He managed to wrestle the hammer away from Rodriguez before tossing it onto a nearby roof, but Rodriguez then shot him.
Later, in a jail phone call, Rodriguez was heard laughing about the shooting and belittling Perkins, stating that the crime didn’t matter much because Perkins was homeless and had mental health struggles.
“Whoever did this did the world a favor,” he chuckled during the call.
Defense attorney Karla Kane argued that Rodriguez was merely trying to present a tough image; however, deputy prosecutor Tyler Grandgeorge revealed that Rodriguez had reportedly mentioned to a friend that he “liked it” and might want to “do it again.” Kane countered that Rodriguez denied ever making those comments.
Ultimately, Judge Petersen sentenced Rodriguez to 23 years for second-degree murder, incorporating a firearm enhancement. This was a year longer than what prosecutors had suggested but still 18 months shy of the maximum sentence.
Rodriguez’s attorney had requested 16 years, citing a brain injury that affects his judgment and temperament, as well as his readiness to plead guilty out of a desire to take responsibility.
Heartfelt Testimonies
The Perkins family painted Michael as someone who consistently strived to do the right thing and was always protective of others.
Despite his battles with mental health, Perkins prioritized the welfare of his two children, even sacrificing custody to ensure they didn’t suffer. He maintained contact with them, and their adoptive parents made an effort to include him in their lives.
Homelessness did not translate to isolation for Perkins; he remained connected with family, and his brother often encouraged him to sleep in a safe place at their home.
Steaven Perkins recalled waking up some mornings, expecting to see his brother waiting in the backyard with coffee.
His sister, Brittany Perkins, shared how much she admired her brother’s integrity, stating, “He was in the right place at the right time and protected others from harm. His bravery was remarkable; he intervened when he absolutely didn’t have to.”
Kayla Lewis spoke on behalf of Perkins’ children, explaining how their futures are now incredibly bleak without him.
“He died protecting a complete stranger,” she said. “He was, above all, kind and cherished by many.”
Grandgeorge noted that the heartrending testimonies at the sentencing truly revealed the character of both Michael Perkins and Isiah Rodriguez.
“This murder was born out of Rodriguez’s desire to appear tougher; it simply can’t justify the crime,” Grandgeorge commented.
He continued, “Every man might appear virtuous when the spotlight is shining. It’s their actions in the dark that define true character, and that night clearly demonstrated who both men really are.”
As proceedings wrapped up, Rodriguez offered a brief apology to the Perkins family.
“I realize my actions have deeply hurt the Perkins family as well as myself, and I see now that this behavior was unacceptable,” he stated. “I’ve lost the caring, gentle side of who I used to be. I sincerely hope the Perkins family can forgive me.”
Judge Petersen concluded that the courtroom’s evidence highlighted Rodriguez’s pattern of indifference toward human life.
“Regardless of issues like homelessness or addiction, he was still a family member. From everything that came to light today, he took more than just a life,” Petersen reflected.
