Tyler, TX – A Smith County man has been sentenced to prison for the fatal shooting of a taqueria co-owner during a dispute that began over a slammed door, authorities say. The altercation in October 2024 left 38-year-old Heriberto “Eddie” Ramirez Jr. dead and shocked the Tyler community.
Incident Overview: Parking Lot Dispute Turns Deadly
According to prosecutors, 54-year-old Scotty Goble was at Junior’s Taqueria with his 9-month-old daughter and two sons when a confrontation escalated outside the restaurant. The conflict reportedly started after one of Goble’s sons slammed a door while leaving the establishment.
The Ramirezes, Eddie and Edgar, followed the family outside, where a fight broke out. Goble claimed he felt threatened when Eddie Ramirez allegedly threatened him and his children, prompting him to open fire. The infant daughter was placed safely in a baby carrier near the entrance before the shooting occurred, prosecutors added.
Trial Details: Claims of Self-Defense
Goble pleaded not guilty and argued self-defense during his trial, which concluded last week. His son, Justin Goble, testified that his father was on the ground being beaten during the fight before firing.
“I was terrified,” Justin told the court. “This guy [Ramirez] is like twice my size … to be completely honest, I was looking for a gun. Just in case they were just beating him to a pulp.”
Jurors deliberated for three hours before finding Goble guilty of second-degree murder, which reflected action taken in “sudden passion.” His sentence of 18 years in prison fell within a range of two to 20 years, significantly less than the first-degree murder charge he initially faced.
Family Reaction: Survivors Grieve the Loss
The trial also included testimony from Amanda Ramirez, Eddie’s wife, who shared the emotional impact on their children.
“Not daddy! What do you mean?!” Amanda recounted, describing her 6- and 9-year-old daughters’ reaction to learning their father had died. “It was the worst thing I’ve had to do in my entire life — to tell my babies their daddy died. He didn’t deserve that. We didn’t deserve that.”
When asked about the sentence, Amanda expressed her heartbreak and dissatisfaction:
“I don’t feel like justice was served. That’s not enough. Even if he would’ve gotten life, that still would’ve never been enough for me. Because nothing is going to bring my husband back. We have to live the rest of our lives with pain and misery without Eddie.”
Community Impact and Sentencing
The case has drawn attention in Tyler and across Smith County, highlighting concerns over public safety, self-defense claims, and consequences of disputes escalating in public spaces. While Goble will serve 18 years in prison, the tragedy has left a lasting mark on the Ramirez family and the local community.
Takeaway
The deadly confrontation at Junior’s Taqueria serves as a reminder of how quickly minor disputes can escalate. Residents are urged to handle conflicts calmly and avoid potentially dangerous altercations.
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