Joshua Edward Vidales, a 27-year-old male of Hispanic ethnicity, tragically lost his life on January 1, 2015, in Atascosa, TX. The incident occurred inside a residence on Macdona Lacoste Road, where Joshua was fatally shot. The shooting also resulted in a second victim being taken to the hospital.
The suspect in Joshua's murder is Ignacio Ruiz, a 37-year-old male who fled to Piedras Negras, a Mexican border town adjacent to Eagle Pass, Texas.
Ruiz was on parole after serving time for attempted capital murder on a police officer. After the shooting, Ruiz took a taxi to escape Texas but became enraged when he saw police in the area. He shot the taxi driver and engaged in a high-speed chase with the police, which ended when police were able to force him off the road.
Ruiz was eventually caught in Mexico following an intense shootout with police that resulted in the death of a Piedras Negras police officer and injuries to several others. Ruiz was in the company of Janel Cerda, who was also arrested. Ruiz claimed he forced Cerda to come with him after he killed her cousin, while other reports described her as his girlfriend.
The Bexar County Sheriff's Office was actively involved in the investigation and hunt for Ruiz. The case drew significant attention due to the suspect's history and the cross-border pursuit that followed.
Joshua Vidales is remembered by his family, including his parents Eddie and Sandra Vidales, and his sisters Kimberly and Kamerie Vidales. His untimely death left a lasting impact on his loved ones and the community.
