A deadly shooting in Hewitt, Texas has led to a murder charge against a 50-year-old man accused of killing his ex-wife’s boyfriend outside his home. Authorities say the suspect fired multiple rounds at the victim after the man arrived at his residence late at night.
While the suspect claims he acted in self-defense, investigators say the circumstances of the shooting led a grand jury to indict him for murder. The case is now moving forward in McLennan County as prosecutors prepare for trial.
Texas Man Indicted for Fatal Shooting
A Texas grand jury has indicted Eric Renee Enriquez, 50, on a murder charge for the death of 54-year-old George A. Turrubiartez.
The incident happened on the night of February 5 outside a home on Saddle Horn Drive in Hewitt, Texas, a suburb of Waco located about 100 miles northeast of Austin.
According to the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office, Enriquez is accused of shooting Turrubiartez multiple times, leading to his death.
Police Responded to Reports of Multiple Gunshots
Around 9 p.m., police received reports of numerous gunshots in the area. Callers told authorities that at least 10 rounds had been fired.
When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Turrubiartez lying dead in the driveway.
According to an arrest affidavit, the victim had several gunshot wounds to his chest and abdomen, as well as one gunshot wound to the head.
After discovering the body, officers ordered the occupants of the home to come outside.
Enriquez reportedly stepped onto the porch with his hands raised and immediately told officers he had been defending himself.
Suspect Claimed Self-Defense
According to the affidavit, Enriquez told police that the victim had threatened him and that he believed he had the right to defend his home.
He claimed that Turrubiartez had been calling and texting him earlier in the evening and said he planned to come to the house.
Using a surveillance camera, Enriquez said he saw Turrubiartez arrive in a 2021 Chrysler 300.
Believing the man had come to start a confrontation, Enriquez went outside to meet him.
The suspect told investigators that the victim began speaking aggressively before the shooting happened.
Investigators Say Events May Have Unfolded Differently
According to court documents, a woman connected to both men told detectives that Turrubiartez was her live-in boyfriend and Enriquez was her ex-husband.
She said the victim became upset after reading a text message between her and Enriquez.
After leaving her home, she tracked his location and realized he appeared to be driving toward Enriquez’s residence.
Authorities say the confrontation soon followed.
Enriquez admitted he fired his weapon but said he did not know exactly how many shots he fired.
Police later described the firearm used in the shooting as an assault-style rifle.
After the Shooting
According to investigators, Enriquez said he went back inside his home after the shooting.
He reportedly unloaded the gun and placed it on the couch.
When police informed him that he would be charged with murder, the affidavit states that Enriquez responded by saying the victim “shouldn’t have been there” and that he “would do it again.”
Arrest and Current Status
Enriquez has been indicted on one count of murder.
He is currently being held in the McLennan County Jail with bond set at $750,000.
His defense attorney has said he is reviewing evidence in the case and preparing to build a defense.
The case is expected to move forward in court as prosecutors present the evidence surrounding the shooting.
