Rogelio "RJ" Franco Jr., a 22-year-old Hispanic male, tragically lost his life on January 29, 2017, in El Paso, Texas. RJ was fatally shot during an altercation outside Barfly, a bar located on Montwood Drive. The incident occurred shortly after midnight, and RJ was pronounced dead at the scene. RJ was a beloved member of the community, known for his infectious smile, athletic prowess, and dedication to his family and friends.
He was a standout football player at Montwood High School and worked for UPS. His untimely death left a void in the hearts of many who knew him.
The altercation that led to RJ's death involved Moises Galvan, a 19-year-old Hispanic male who was known to RJ from high school. The two had a history of disagreements, which culminated in the fatal encounter at Barfly. According to reports, RJ and his friend, David Ortega, encountered Galvan in the parking lot of the bar. An argument ensued, and Galvan allegedly opened fire with a handgun, fatally wounding RJ and injuring Ortega. Ortega, also 22 years old, suffered multiple gunshot wounds but survived the incident. Galvan was arrested at the scene by an off-duty sheriff's deputy and a county constable who were working security at the bar.
Galvan faced multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession of marijuana. The case went to trial, and Galvan's defense argued that he acted in self-defense, claiming that RJ and Ortega had threatened him and that Ortega had a gun. However, the prosecution contended that Galvan was the aggressor and had planned to kill RJ that night. The trial was held in the 168th District Court at the Enrique Moreno County Courthouse in Downtown El Paso, with Judge Dick Alcala presiding.
The first trial in 2019 ended in a mistrial due to a procedural issue, but a second trial was held in 2023. After deliberating for several hours, the jury found Galvan guilty of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 55 years in prison for the murder charge and 13 years for the aggravated assault charge, with the sentences to be served concurrently. The verdict brought some measure of justice to RJ's family, who expressed their gratitude to the legal team and the jurors for their efforts in securing a conviction.
RJ's death was a devastating loss for his family and the community. His parents, Roger Franco and Lory Batista, along with his siblings and extended family, mourned the loss of a young man who had touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. The large turnout at his memorial service and the outpouring of support from friends and community members were a testament to the impact RJ had on those around him. His legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
