by | Published
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — A man convicted of fatally shooting one person and wounding another during a nightclub parking lot altercation has been sentenced to life in prison.
On Monday, June 29, Judge Kristina Escalona of the 186th District Court sentenced 63-year-old Ruben Cantu to life in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this month of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The charges stem from a February 2025 shooting outside a San Antonio nightclub.
According to prosecutors, Cantu was attending a birthday celebration with family members when several people in the group became intoxicated and were escorted outside by venue staff.
Once in the parking lot, an altercation broke out. Prosecutors said Cantu, who had been carrying a firearm throughout the evening, pulled the weapon and fired multiple rounds into a crowd.
The shooting killed 42-year-old Ricky Marquez Jr. and injured a second victim, Andrew Rivera.
Investigators identified Cantu as the shooter through witness statements, surveillance video, and other evidence.
Authorities later located Cantu during the investigation of an unrelated terroristic threat. According to prosecutors, Cantu allegedly threatened an acquaintance after being refused a request to borrow a vehicle and money, claiming he had previously killed someone. The acquaintance reported the incident to law enforcement and identified Cantu in a photo lineup, leading to his arrest.
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Melissa Rust and Nicholas Pina prosecuted the case with assistance from Victim Advocate Laura Covarrubias and Investigator Jim Cheatham.
"Today's sentence represents accountability for the devastating loss of Ricky Marquez Jr. and the harm caused to the victims and their families," Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a statement. "We are grateful to the jury for their service and thoughtful consideration of the evidence presented in this case. Our prosecutors, investigators, and victim advocates remain committed to ensuring that victims' voices are heard and that those responsible for violent crimes are held accountable."
