A Lorain man charged with killing a beloved grocer in a robbery Friday pleaded not guilty in Lorain Municipal Court this morning.

Decio G. Rodrigues, 24, appeared via live video feed from the county jail where he is being held on an aggravated murder charge.
Judge Mark Mihok set a $3 million bond for Rodrigues, who allowed his attorney to do all the talking and looked down at the jailhouse floor during much of the brief proceeding.

Family and friends of the man Rodrigues is accused of killing, Jose Gonzalez Sr., 47, filled the front two rows of the courtroom, crying and holding each other for comfort.

Gonzalez Grocery, at the corner of West 26th Street and Lexington Avenue, remains closed, but a makeshift memorial of stuffed animals, candles and cards continued to grow outside the store.

Check out Tuesday’s Chronicle for the full story.

In order to comment, you must agree to our user agreement and discussion guidelines.

Need help? Email Us.