J. Ismael Lugo-Cervantes, a 57-year-old Hispanic male from Ben Wheeler, Texas, tragically passed away on May 16, 2019. The incident occurred in Tyler, Texas, where Lugo-Cervantes was transported to a hospital following a shooting. The shooting took place near County Road 4710, east of FM 773, just after midnight. Lugo-Cervantes was one of two victims in the incident, the other being Amanda Dawn Roberts, a 33-year-old female from Ben Wheeler. Both victims were transported to CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances in Tyler, where Lugo-Cervantes was later pronounced dead.
The suspect in the shooting was identified as Fernando Ruiz, a 35-year-old male from Ben Wheeler. When deputies arrived at the scene, Ruiz opened fire on them, prompting the deputies to return fire. Ruiz retreated into the residence and was later found dead. It remains unclear whether Ruiz died from a self-inflicted wound or from injuries sustained during the shootout with law enforcement. No officers were injured in the incident.
The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Texas Rangers, who identified Ruiz as the suspect in the officer-involved shooting. The motive behind the shooting and the relationship between the suspect and the victims were not immediately clear. The incident remains under investigation, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to the tragic deaths of Lugo-Cervantes and Ruiz.
Lugo-Cervantes was born on April 10, 1962, in Guanajuato, Mexico. He was laid to rest at the Haven of Memories in Canton, Texas, following a funeral service held on May 26, 2019. The service was officiated by Rev. Jimmy Heslop at the Eubank Funeral Chapel in Canton. Lugo-Cervantes is remembered by his family and community for his contributions and the impact he had on those around him.
