Joshua Perez, a 35-year-old man from Taft, Texas, tragically died on January 31, 2022, from a gunshot wound to the chest inside a mobile home on Mary Street. The incident was part of a series of related violent events that occurred on the same day in Taft. Deputies from the San Patricio County Sheriff's Office responded to multiple calls reporting shootings and stabbings in the area.
In addition to Joshua Perez's death, another man, Moses Torres, aged 36, was found with stab wounds and
was taken to a local hospital for treatment. Moses identified Rudy Rivera, also 35 years old, as his attacker. Rudy Rivera was seen bleeding and getting into a car on Dolores Street shortly after the incidents. An aggravated assault warrant was issued for his arrest.
Rudy Rivera was later arrested in Corpus Christi with a gunshot wound and taken into custody. He faced multiple charges, including engaging in organized crime, deadly conduct, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and aggravated assault. His bond was set at $2.3 million. Both Rudy Rivera and Moses Torres had been previously arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting on Elm Street in July 2021 and were out on bond at the time of the incidents.
The San Patricio County Sheriff's Office continues to investigate the case to determine the full extent of the events and gather more evidence. The tragic death of Joshua Perez and the related violent incidents have deeply affected the community, and authorities are working diligently to bring justice for the victims and their families.
