CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Over 16 months after Eriya Ruiz was killed in front of her home on Pennine Way, another step has been taken in finding justice for her death.
On Monday, Nov. 4, Judge Timothy McCoy ruled that 16-year-old Justin Alex Tovar would be tried as an adult in Eriya's death. Judge McCoy set a $1 million current bond for Tovar.
KRIS 6 News first reported on the case in June 2023, when James Ruiz, Eriya's father, found her in the front yard with multiple stab wounds before he went to work. According to the medical examiner's report, Eriya was stabbed with a kitchen knife at least five times in her back, twice in her arm and once in her neck. Also, she had several bruises on her face and body.
While prosecutors and defense attorneys made their closing arguments on Monday, one stated Tovar needed to face his consequences and the other reiterated 16-year-old's need for the proper mental health resources, which seem to only be offered for juveniles in Nueces County and not adults.
Families for Tovar and Ruiz were emotional following Judge McCoy's decision. After more than one hour, Tovar was placed in handcuffs and taken into custody where he will be transferred to the Nueces County Jail until he is officially indicted.
Eriya's family told Neighborhood News Reporter, Alexis Scott, they see Monday's decision as justice for their little girl. But, only the beginning.
"Thank you for all your prayers, all your support, all your love for Eriya. It means the world to us. We're going to fight," Rita Allen, Eriya's grandmother, said.
Scott tried speaking to Tovar's family and attorney, but they declined to comment.
Eriya's other grandmother, Rita, extended her help to others that may be dealing with Intimate Partner Violence, so their story doesn't have the same outcome.
"We're here for the community," Everett said. "If anybody needs any kind of help, reach out to us. That's what Eriya would want us to do."
The District Attorney's Office will present the case to a grand jury, where Tovar will be indicted for the adult charges. After that, a trial date will be set.
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