Clovis, NM – Ninth Judicial District Attorney Quentin Ray announced today that Jesse Ruiz has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the shooting death of Ruben Mireles.
Following the conviction, Judge Fred Van Soelen sentenced Ruiz to 15 years in the New Mexico Department of Corrections. Under the sentencing terms, Ruiz must serve at least 13 years before becoming eligible for parole.
The incident occurred when Ruben Mireles encountered Ruiz in the bedroom of his ex-girlfriend. A verbal altercation ensued, escalating when Mireles lunged at Ruiz. Ruiz then grabbed a pistol from a nearby nightstand and fired a single shot, fatally wounding Mireles.
The case was prosecuted by Special Prosecutor Brett Carter, while Ruiz was represented by Public Defender Marie Legrand Miller of Albuquerque.
For further information, please contact the Office of the District Attorney at (575) 769-2246.
