Specific details about Cesar Rodriguez's early life and background are not extensively documented in public records. He was the stepfather of Nixzmary Brown and lived with her mother, Nixzaliz Santiago, in Brooklyn, New York. The household included Nixzmary and her siblings.

On January 11, 2006, seven-year-old Nixzmary Brown was found dead in her family's Brooklyn apartment. Investigations revealed that she had been subjected to prolonged physical abuse and neglect. Rodriguez admitted to restraining Nixzmary by tying her to a chair and, on the night of her death, punishing her by holding her under cold water, during which he struck her head, leading to a fatal injury.

In March 2008, Rodriguez was convicted of first-degree manslaughter and sentenced to 29 years in prison. The case highlighted severe lapses in child protective services and led to significant reforms within New York City's Administration for Children's Services.