By Aaron Miller-
A 30-year-old from Lompoc, California, stands accused of deploying secret surveillance devices to stalk and ultimately murder his housemate, 39-year-old Stephanie Hansen.
The court heard that Sheldon Rodrigues harbored an obsession with Hansen, allegedly driven by her romantic involvement with a married work colleague.
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The disturbing case outlines Rodrigues’ alleged campaign to disrupt Hansen’s relationship, involving the purchase of spy devices, impersonation of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver on Facebook to send abusive messages, and even lodging complaints with their employer, aviation firm Swissport.
The tension escalated when Rodrigues discovered that Hansen’s boyfriend, Celso Cabillan, had visited her while he was at work. Armed with a Micromax phone hidden in the living room, Rodrigues reportedly eavesdropped on the couple’s date, leading to a violent eruption of rage on the morning of December 30, 2022.
Arriving home after a night shift, Rodrigues allegedly attacked Hansen, who was still in her pyjamas in her bedroom. Prosecutors described a brutal assault, involving multiple stab wounds to the neck and repeated battering to the head and face with a blunt object.
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While Rodrigues denies being the killer, the prosecution claims there is a “wealth of evidence” linking him to the crime. Post-arrest, police uncovered messages showcasing Rodrigues’ long-standing obsession with Hansen, dating back to 2015, when he expressed his desire for her.
In a disturbing twist, Rodrigues allegedly continued his advances despite repeated rejections. The court heard that he offered to change his appearance through surgery and even sent inappropriate messages, such as a weblink to a see-through “boob tube” top.
The defendant and the victim shared a residence in Willenhall Drive, Hayes, having moved in together in April 2021 to share bills. The messages revealed some intimacy, but Hansen made it clear that she only wanted friendship.
By late 2022, Hansen was in a relationship with Celso Cabillan, further inciting Rodrigues’ anger. The court was told that Rodrigues used covert listening devices, including a “Spycamera,” to spy on Hansen and monitor her relationship with Cabillan.
Rodrigues allegedly lodged false complaints with Swissport, accusing Cabillan of misconduct and loitering. He also hired someone to follow Cabillan, adding a sinister layer to his obsessive behavior.
The trial continues as the court looks into the disturbing details of Rodrigues’ alleged actions, shedding light on the dangers of unchecked obsessions and the tragic consequences that unfolded in Hayes, West London.
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