Gerardo Ramirez, a 25-year-old Hispanic male, lost his life in what was reported as a shooting incident in Garden City, Kansas, on August 20, 2019. Known affectionately to his loved ones as "Lalo," he was born in El Paso, Texas, on March 29, 1994, and had moved with his family to Garden City in 1999. He was a familiar face in the local restaurant scene, having worked as a chef at both Old Chicago and Pie Five.
Those who knew Gerardo remember him as a loving and warm-hearted individual
who was quick to offer a smile, a hug, or a kind word. He had a passion for rapping and enjoyed spending his leisure time playing PlayStation. While he did not have any children of his own, he cherished his role as an uncle and was deeply devoted to his nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Garden City High School and was a beloved member of his community.
Following the shooting, an investigation was launched, and law enforcement made an arrest in connection with the case. A suspect, identified as Armando Alegria-Guzman, was taken into custody. Reports from the time indicate that Alegria-Guzman was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder, and his bond was set at $150,000. The Garden City Police Department handled the initial response and investigation into the homicide.
The case against Armando Alegria-Guzman proceeded through the legal system. In February 2021, he entered a no-contest plea to an amended charge of involuntary manslaughter. This plea was part of an agreement with prosecutors. In April of the same year, a judge sentenced Alegria-Guzman to 34 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay restitution to the family of Gerardo Ramirez. The court proceedings brought a measure of closure to a case that had deeply affected the Garden City community.
