On the night of April 5, 2024, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Laredo Police Department (LPD) officers responded to reports of a suspicious individual with a firearm at the Siesta Motel, located at 4109 San Bernardo Avenue in Laredo, Texas. An officer in the vicinity heard gunshots, and upon arrival, authorities discovered 57-year-old Raul Turrubiates suffering from three gunshot wounds—two to the upper body and one to the leg.
Despite prompt medical attention, Turrubiates succumbed to his injuries, marking Laredo's first homicide of 2024.
As officers approached the scene, they observed a red Nissan Altima fleeing the motel. The vehicle disregarded police commands to stop, leading to a pursuit that concluded near Ryan and Monterrey streets, where three individuals exited the car and attempted to flee on foot. Law enforcement swiftly established a perimeter and apprehended two suspects: 32-year-old Luis J. Olguin and 34-year-old Jesus Abrego Quilantan. The third suspect, 33-year-old George Gonzalez, was later located and arrested at his residence on West Olive Street. All three men were charged with murder and detained at the Webb County Jail.
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of a fourth individual, 37-year-old Pedro Ruiz Jr., on April 10, 2024. Ruiz was also charged with the murder of Turrubiates, bringing the total number of suspects in custody to four. The arrests were the result of coordinated efforts by LPD's Crimes Against Persons investigators, who gathered sufficient evidence linking the suspects to the crime. Authorities have indicated that the individuals involved were known to each other, suggesting that the incident may have stemmed from prior interactions.
The swift apprehension of the suspects underscores the Laredo Police Department's commitment to addressing violent crime in the community. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover further details surrounding the circumstances that led to Turrubiates' death. The case has drawn significant attention, as it represents the first homicide in Laredo for the year 2024, prompting discussions about public safety and crime prevention in the area.
