Man shot, robbed after answering knock at Seven J's Motel room in Boynton Beach identified

BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. -- Two men are still on the loose after police say one of them shot a man inside a Boynton Beach motel room.

Around 4:10 a.m., Neil Rogers, 43, heard a knock at his door while staying at Seven J's Motel on Northeast 8th Avenue.

His brother, Frankie Renda Jr., who works for him was also in the room. He says two men busted through the door and robbed them at gunpoint, but Rogers refused.

"They wanted our stuff. My brother said no and he punched the guy in his face, and the guy shot at him twice," says Renda.

Slater said one of the suspects also pistol-whipped Rogers. The other suspect was carrying a bag, Slater said. They took off on foot, dropping many of the items they stole, a laptop and cell phone, as they ran away.

Rogers is in critical condition at Delray Trauma Center. Police say he is a pipe fitter from Trinity, Florida, and owner of Florida Sewer & Storm Inc. He and Renda have been staying at the motel since March while working on a project in the area, Slater said.

"I want to go home and see my family, I don't want to stay here any more," Renda.

Renda believes he and his brother were specifically targetted, because they use expensive equipment.

"People watch, people see. They knew we had money and followed us to our room. The saw where we were staying and came back," says Renda.

Another motel guest tells NewsChannel 5 he is concerned for his safety.

"I'm kinda nervous and just amazed at the same time. It could've happened to anybody," says Scott Richardson.

Richardson is from Indiana. He's staying at the motel while working on a construction project in Boynton Beach for two months. He says he was up until 5 a.m. but didn't hear the gunshots.

"There shouldn't be a concern about robbery suspects targeting motel guests. We don't believe that to be the case," says Slater.

The suspects are described as two black males in their 20s wearing white T-shirts and black shorts. One had short dreadlocks; the other had long dreadlocks, according to police.

Boynton Beach Police are asking anyone with information to call 561-732-8116 or Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County at 800-458-TIPS.