Man who fired shots in hospital, sexually assaulted nurse gets military funeral

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Channel 9 has learned a 20-year-old man who committed suicide after firing shots and sexually assaulting a nurse at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach got a military-style service funeral by the U.S. National Guard at Patrick Air Force Base on Sunday.

Local veterans told Channel 9 they're extremely upset that Jonathan Rodriguez-Jeff was buried with honors.

Officials with the National Guard said Rodriguez-Jeff's ceremony included the folding of the American flag and the presentation of the flag to family members.

After firing shots at cars and assaulting the nurse, Rodriguez-Jeff took his own life, investigators said.

A local veteran who served eight years with the National Guard said he disagreed with the military funeral.

"You're trained with military weapons and everything. You shouldn't go out and shoot innocent people, especially in a hospital," the veteran said.

Officials with the National Guard said that unless a soldier commits a capital offense, the National Guard is required by law to provide a military service.

Officials also said the service is not just for the soldier, but for the family as well.

The investigation into the case is still open and active. Authorities said it will be another several weeks before they know whether Rodriguez-Jeff was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time.

WFTV