On Thursday, January 11, 2024, at 6:13 pm, deputies responded to a distressing incident at Valley Baptist Micro Hospital in Weslaco, Texas. The authorities were alerted to a male subject with a gunshot wound.
Upon arrival, deputies were informed by Weslaco Police Department Officers that a 16-year-old male had been brought to the hospital with a single gunshot wound to the center of the chest. The juvenile was declared deceased upon arrival.
Preliminary information revealed that the victim had apparently shot himself while engaging in unsafe behavior with a handgun. The incident was reported to have taken place at the 6400 Block of FM 88 in rural Weslaco, Texas.
Sheriff Investigators, accompanied by Crime Scene Specialists, arrived at the hospital to interview witnesses. Crime Scene Specialists diligently collected evidence both at the hospital and the residence where the incident occurred.
According to statements from witnesses, a group had gathered at the residence of Arturo Ramos III after school, where they began mishandling a handgun. Further details emerged that Ramos had suggested the victim try on a bulletproof vest, intending to shoot at him. Tragically, the victim agreed, and Ramos fired two shots - the first hitting the vest, and the second striking the victim in the chest.
In light of these circumstances, Sheriff Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Arturo Ramos III on charges of Manslaughter, a second-degree felony. Ramos was subsequently booked into the county jail.
On Friday, January 12, 2024, Arturo Ramos III (18 years old) appeared before Magistrate Larry Esparza for Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree. The bond was set at $125,000.00 cash surety.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities state that additional charges may be filed. Witnesses with any information related to the case are encouraged to come forward. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 956-383-8114. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers Hotline is available at 956-668-TIPS (8477), and anonymous tips can also be submitted through the smartphone application “P3 TIPS.”
