On December 20, 2015, Mark Angelo Ramirez, a 31-year-old Hispanic male from Amarillo, Texas, was fatally shot by police officers responding to a call about a suicidal individual. Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of S. Travis Street around 10:20 p.m. Upon arrival, Ramirez opened the door holding a firearm and pointed it toward the officers. In response, two officers fired their weapons, striking Ramirez.
They administered first aid and called for an ambulance, but Ramirez was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The officers involved, Corporal Clay Hegwood and Officer Rafael Quiles, were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. A third officer at the scene did not discharge his weapon and served as a witness. The 47th District Attorney, Randall Sims, later determined that the officers acted justly, classifying the incident as "suicide by cop." The officers were cleared of any wrongdoing and returned to duty in January 2016.
Mark Ramirez was remembered as a devoted father, son, brother, and uncle. He had a passion for life and music, often writing poetry and songs. He worked as a butcher at the Tyson MeatPacking Plant and was known for his caring and playful nature. Ramirez attended Bivins Elementary, Austin Middle School, and Tascosa High School in Amarillo. He is survived by his mother, Patricia Ramirez; his father, Morris Ramirez; his fiancée, Kara; his children, Isabell and Layton Ramirez; his sister, Crecynthia Ramirez; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
No arrests were made in connection with the incident, as the shooting was deemed justified by the district attorney's office. The case was closed following the investigation's conclusion.
