Ruben Ramirez was sentenced to 55 years in prison for murdering San Juan Melchor in San Antonio after prosecutors rejected his self-defense claim during trial.
SAN ANTONIO — On Tuesday, a Bexar County jury sentenced Ruben Ramirez to 55 years in prison for the murder of San Juan Melchor.
Prosecutors said the fatal shooting occurred in April 2023 at a residence on the east side of San Antonio. According to evidence presented at trial, Melchor had gone to the home when he was confronted by Ramirez, who was also at the location. 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 after the shooting and remained at large for more than a year before being arrested on a warrant 13 months later. At the time of his arrest, officials said, he was found to be in illegal possession of a firearm.
During the trial, Ramirez admitted to shooting Melchor but argued that he acted in self-defense. The jury rejected that claim.
In the sentencing phase, jurors heard testimony from the victim’s mother and were presented with evidence of Ramirez’s prior criminal history. Prosecutors said he had previously been sentenced to prison twice and was classified as a habitual felony offender.
The prosecution was led 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 in a statement. “Our mission remains clear in ensuring that offenders will face the consequences of their unlawful behavior.”