by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A Bexar County jury has sentenced a man to 55 years in prison for a 2023 fatal shooting on the city’s east side, officials said.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Ruben Ramirez was sentenced in the 399th District Court for the murder of San Juan Melchor.
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred in April 2023 when Melchor visited a residence and was confronted by Ramirez. Authorities said Ramirez demanded that Melchor leave the property at gunpoint. When Melchor refused, Ramirez shot him once in the chest, killing him.
Ramirez fled the scene and was arrested more than a year later on a warrant. At the time of his arrest, officials said he was in illegal possession of a firearm.
During the trial, Ramirez admitted to the shooting but claimed he acted in self-defense. The jury rejected that claim and found him guilty.
During sentencing, jurors heard testimony from Melchor’s mother and learned Ramirez had prior prison sentences and was classified as a habitual felony offender.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Jordan Brown, Estella Granderson, and David Alexander, with support from Victim Advocate Pauline Lopez and Investigator Matthew Paz.
“We are immensely grateful to the jury for their careful deliberation and commitment to justice,” Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said. “Our mission remains clear in ensuring that offenders will face the consequences of their unlawful behavior.”
