PORT HUENEME : Autopsy Reveals Woman Strangled

An autopsy performed Wednesday revealed that a 32-year-old Port Hueneme woman found dead in her apartment Tuesday died of strangulation, police said.

Port Hueneme Sgt. Fernando Estrella said detectives, who have questioned nearly 15 people in the case, have not ruled out any suspects. The woman’s estranged husband has been questioned twice, he said.

Anthony Rodriguez, 33, told police that he found Norma Rodriguez’s body on the floor of her living room in the 100 block of East B Street when he arrived to pick up their two sons, ages 4 and 11, about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday, Estrella said.

Estrella would not say where the children were when the body was found.

“We’re looking at all kinds of suspects,” Estrella said. “We haven’t confirmed or eliminated any. We still have a large number of people we want to track down and interview.”

Besides revealing that Rodriguez was strangled, police remained tight-lipped about the case. Estrella said further toxicology tests were being performed but would not say if Rodriguez suffered other injuries or tell the approximate time of death.

“We are keeping this whole thing under wraps and there’s a reason for it,” Estrella said, adding that he did not want to jeopardize the case by revealing crucial details before an arrest is made.

Neighbors and relatives described Rodriguez, who worked at a K mart store, as a loner who “lived for her kids,” Estrella said.

“They said she always had them well-fed and well-dressed, and she stressed education,” he said.

Norma and Anthony Rodriguez were married about eight years ago but had been separated for the past two years, Estrella said. They had not filed for divorce.

The children are living with their father, Estrella said.