Manuel Fernando Garza

Murderer

1known / alleged victims

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Case Facts

Gender: male
Country: USA
Location: Bexar County, Texas, USA
Date of birth: August 8, 1980
Age at first offence: 21
Characteristics: to avoid arrest
Victim profile: John "Rocky" Riojas, 37 (San Antonio police officer)
Method of murder: Shooting
Date(s) of murder: February 2, 2001
Years active: 2001
Date of arrest: 2 days after
Status: Sentenced to death
Sentenced to death on November 8, 2002

Case Summary

Identification

Manuel Fernando Garza, TDCJ Number 999434, was born on 08/08/1980.

Personal details

He was listed as hispanic and male, with black hair, brown eyes, a height of 5 ft 10 in, and a weight of 157. He was identified as being from Bexar County in Texas.

Education and intake

He received an education level of 11 on 11/08/2002, when he was 22.

Prior occupation and prior prison record

Before incarceration, his occupation was listed as laborer. His prior prison record was listed as n/a.

Offence details

Garza committed the offence on 02/02/2001, when he was 20, in Bexar County. The incident occurred in San Antonio.

The offence

On 02/02/2001, in San Antonio, Garza shot and killed a San Antonio Police Officer with the officer's gun while the officer was attempting to arrest Garza on outstanding arrest warrants.

Victim

The victim was Police Officer John Anthony "Rocky" Riojas, who was described as an Hispanic male police officer.

Co-defendants

There were no co-defendants listed.

Investigation and arrest account

Police evidence led them to Garza, and the account stated that Garza did not give up without a fight.

During the trial, an officer gave the following quote:

"After I tackled him to the ground, I jumped," said Patrick Saenz of SAPD. "We're both on the ground. He began swinging punches at me, trying to kick me, attempted to get away I'm sure."

Trial and appeal plans

A news report dated March 31, 2008 stated that a man convicted of killing a police officer headed back to court on Monday. Manuel Garza received the death penalty but wanted a new trial, and Garza and his attorney planned to make an appeal for a new trial that day.

The report also stated that Garza killed Officer John Rocky Riojas in February 2001 following a chase and struggle on the northwest side, and that Garza used the officer's gun.

A news-related detail stated that one officer spoke about Garza's arrest during his trial.

Sentencing

Garza was sentenced to death on November 8, 2002.

Outcome

Garza was convicted of cop killing and received the death penalty and sought a new trial.

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