Several law enforcement agencies are pooling resources to solve the murder of a supermarket owner found gunned down at this home after an apparent robbery.

Floyd County Police Chief Bill Shiflett said Leapoldo Cardenas, 47, of 1902 Burnett Ferry Road, was “specifically targeted” for a robbery turned murder at his home late Saturday.

On Monday, Floyd County investigators met with members of the Rome Police Department, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Immigration Services and the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office to discuss the circumstances surrounding the murder investigation as well as to review the crime scene.

Police are attempting to piece together what actually took place that evening and gathered at the crime scene Monday to review evidence, the Floyd County Chief of Police said.

“As far as what actually happened, we’re looking at the crime scene to determine that,” Shiflett said. “Right now we don’t know. He was shot several times and when the testing comes in we’ll be able to better determine what happened.”

Shiflett would not speculate as to whether Cardenas had been killed as a result of a botched robbery or a specifically targeted execution, asking people to bear with investigators. At this early point in the investigation, even a description of the suspects is not available for release, said Sabrina Hall of the Floyd County police department.

Meanwhile, Cardenas’ body has been taken to the GBI Crime Lab and the cooperating agencies will go back and check records for surrounding counties and the state to see if there is some connection that will give the police a lead to suspects in the murder, he said.

“We have asked each agency to use every resource they have to assist us with the investigation,” Shiflett said. Each agency was very cooperative and has pledged to do everything possible to assist us with the investigation.”

No connection with recent home robberies

With three other recent home invasions in Floyd County, there has been some speculation as to whether or not they’re connected, but Shiflett said there is “no way” the other crimes are related to this murder investigation.

The three other robberies in December on Ridgeview Road, Maple Street and Cliffview Drive involved armed men forcing their way into the homes demanding money.

“In my opinion, he was specifically targeted,” Shiflett said. “It was pre-planned.”

The motive for the Burnett Ferry Road murder seems to be in line with a robbery and Shiflett said there has been no evidence of an illicit drug connection.

“At this point of the investigation there is no indication of drug activity,” Shiflett said. “There was nothing at the crime scene to indicate that.”

According to police reports, family members said two men entered the house late Saturday and took them in the back, keeping them separated from Cardenas. Police have said the family members did not know the suspects.

The robbers then took Cardenas to his place of business and back home where he was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds.

Cardenas was the owner of Celia’s Supermarket at 1931 Shorter Ave. and several other businesses in the area.

The store, which includes a small cafeteria, was open for business on Monday and employees would not comment and attempts to reach Cardenas’ family were unsuccessful.