Gregory Rodriguez Update: Sportsman Channel host of "A Rifleman's Journal" was killed in jealous rage, police say

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Gregory Rodriguez

/ gaohunts.com

(CBS/AP) WHITEFISH, Mont. - The Sportsman Channel says it's deeply saddened by the shooting death in northwestern Montana of Gregory Rodriguez, one of its TV hosts who traveled the world in search of big game and shared his adventures on his program "A Rifleman's Journal."

PICTURES: Cops: TV show host murdered

The company in a statement early Saturday said it will miss Rodriguez's "thoughtfulness, candor and dedication to encourage a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for all."

Police said Rodriguez, 43, of Sugar Land, Texas, died Thursday in the town of Whitefish when he was shot by another man in an apparent jealous rage while the TV personality visited the shooter's wife.

An outpouring on social media has followed the death of Rodriguez, who combined his comfort in front of the camera and travels to exotic locations with his hunting and shooting expertise into a popular cable TV program. The Sportsman Channel said that in January "A Rifleman's Journal" won "Best Instructional/Educational Program" at the Sportsman Channel's Sportsman Choice Awards.

"We're all in a state of shock and disbelief right now," said David Kelly, a spokesman for the Houston Safari Club, of which Rodriguez was a member.

Rodriguez is survived by his wife, Lisa, and two children. In a statement issued Saturday, the family said he was in Montana on a business trip.

"Greg was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend," the statement said. "We love him and will miss him dearly. Please respect the family in their time of mourning and allow them to grieve in peace."

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said that 41-year-old Wayne Bengston shot Rodriguez at about 10:30 p.m. at the home of his wife's mother. Dial said Bengston then beat his wife, took his 2-year-old son to a relative's house and drove to his home about 25 miles away in West Glacier, where he killed himself. Dial said Bengston's wife was treated at a hospital and released that night.

Dial said that Rodriguez and the woman, who works for a firearms manufacturer in the Flathead Valley, met at a trade show and struck up a casual relationship that police do not believe was romantic.

Rodriguez was the founder and CEO of Global Adventure Outfitters. That company declined to comment. According to the company's website, Rodriguez was a mortgage banker before a trip to Africa led him to alter course in the 1990s and start pursuing hunting for a living. He eventually traveled to 21 countries on six continents on that quest, the company said.

More on Crimesider
March 8, 2013 - Gregory Rodriguez, Sportsman Channel host of "A Rifleman's Journal," killed by gunman who also killed himself, Mont. police say

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by John_Bruce_Anderson March 18, 2013 11:08 AM EDT: When I was a teenager I was taken pigeon hunting with my uncle. I didn't enjoy it then and little did I know that it would become one my biggest regrets to date. This Gregory Rodriguez clown had no regret and the universe was merely balancing itself out by removing him from existence. I only wish he had suffered slowly over a few days in abject agony. A relatively quick death seems insufficient.; Reply to this comment


by vegangirl2 March 13, 2013 2:42 AM EDT: Karma :) His death has now probably saved the lives of many animals in the future! Sport hunting is NOT a sport!; Reply to this comment


by vegangirl2 March 13, 2013 2:41 AM EDT: Karma :) His death has no probably saved the lives of many animals in the future! Sport hunting is NOT a sport!; Reply to this comment


by Whereisthesanity March 12, 2013 6:35 PM EDT: Live by the gun..Die by the gun; Reply to this comment


by skiimaan March 12, 2013 10:54 AM EDT: To each his own motive.
To men, the founding fathers gave the gun following their Second Amendment.
"Bang!" Someone is shot dead.; Reply to this comment