Teen's murder described during certification hearing

Aaron Ruiz accused in city's first murder of 2013

SAN ANTONIO – During a hearing on Friday, prosecutors presented evidence to support the state's position that Aaron Ruiz, 17, should be tried as an adult for capital murder.

Ruiz is accused for shooting Christopher Hinojosa, 18, to death during a carjacking on Jan. 15, 2013.

The lead detective in the case testified that Ruiz confronted Hinojosa in a North Side neighborhood as Hinojosa was returning home from work.

Det. Ricky Lopez testified that the two struggled and Hinojosa was shot in the hand.

He ran to get help, Lopez said, and Ruiz sped off in Hinojosa's car.

"He turned around, exited the vehicle and ran up behind the victim and fired the weapon," Lopez testified.

Hinojosa was shot several times and died at the scene in the 300 Block of Alandale Oak.

Later that night, Ruiz showed up at the home of a friend, Lopez said.

"Aaron was stating that he had just killed a person," Lopez testified.

He said Ruiz was talking to the mother of his friend.

"He actually had a gun and he was describing how he had used that weapon to kill the victim," Lopez said. "And he said that he had done it because he didn't like that person."

The two had attended high school together the year before.

Since he was 16 at the time, if Ruiz is certified to be tried as an adult and is convicted, he will not be facing the death penalty even though he is charged with capital murder.

The hearing will continue on Monday in Judge Carmen Kelsey's 289th District Court.

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About the Author:

Paul Venema is a courthouse reporter for KSAT with more than 25 years experience in the role.