Formal Charges to Come for Oak Forest Man Accused of Wife's Murder

An Oak Forest man charged with first-degree murder of his wife after reportedly strangling her and setting her body on fire is scheduled to be indicted in a Cook County courtroom later this month.

Martin Rodriguez, 48, waived his appearance at a brief hearing Wednesday, Jan. 2 in a county bond court in Bridgeview, according to officials. His return of indictment, where he is expected to be formally charged with murder and aggravated arson, is scheduled for Jan. 22.

Rodriguez was denied bail at a hearing over the weekend. Prosecutors have released details in the murder where they say Rodriguez strangled his wife, slit his own throat and used accelerant to ignite the blaze at their home on Dec. 18. The couple's three children were in school at the time, according to reports.  Police discovered the strangled body of Erica Rodriguez after a fire at the home at 152nd and Central Avenue.

Erica was a devoted nurse and well-liked member of the community. 

Martin Rodriguez was treated at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn for his injuries but a call to the hospital Wednesday revealed a patient named Martin Rodriguez had been discharged; it could not be immediately confirmed if the patient is the same person.

Cook County Department of Corrections records do not show a Martin Rodriguez in custody for murder or arson charges.