Defendant in Multiple Persons Murder Case Gets Bond Reduction

SAN ANGELO, TX- This afternoon, at 2 p.m., Ricky Ray Ortegon Zuniga, 25, entered the 119^th District Court of Judge Ben Woodward for his first Criminal Pre-Trial. Zuniga was arrested for Capital Murder of Multiple Persons: Jimmy Andrew Gonzales and Anthony Michael Martinez.

On or about Sept. 12, 2016, as said by the indictment, Zuniga and co-defendants Raymond Alvarado, 28, Krystal Sanchez, 27, and Justin Gamez, 27, “intentionally and knowingly,” caused the deaths of Jimmy Andrew Gonzalez and Anthony Michael Martinez by shooting them with a firearm, while committing or attempting to commit the offense of burglary of a habitation. For previous stories, click here and here.

Judge Woodward began his court proceeding by announcing, “This is a pre-trial and motion to reduce a bond hearing.”

Currently, Zuniga’s bond is set at $500,000; his attorneys wanted to reduce that to $100,000.

Only one witness was called by the Defense to the stand on behalf of Zuniga for this request, and that was the defendant's on-again-off-again girlfriend.

The witness explained that Zuniga is the father of their six-year-old child, and another child on the way.

During questioning from the Defense, the witness was asked if she would be able to afford the $100,00 bond. The witness explained that she would be able to pay the $100,000 bond with cash and Zuniga’s Grandfather’s house as collateral.

During the questioning, it came to light that the witness was the sister of co-defendant Raymond Alvarado. The Defense named this as a “unique situation.” The Defense then said, “Are you prepared to deal with that situation?” The witness said, “Yes.”

After this discussion, the Defense asked the witness, “Do you believe, if Ricky was released on bond, would the community be safe?”

The witness responded yes once more.

The State also asked the witness questions about her brother and Zuniga, which went on for a short time. After this discussion, the witness was released from the stand.

For a moment, in silence, Woodward considered the discussion, and stated, “I will grant your request and reduce bond to $100,000.”

Even though Woodward approved the bond reduction, the judge gave the defendant certain criteria to follow once he bonds out.

Zuniga will not be able to be around certain people, and he must remain in Tom Green County. The restrictions of people Zuniga can be around will be discussed between the State and the Defense outside of the courtroom session.

The next pre-trial date was not set during Zuniga’s hearing today. The Defense and State will discuss dates that will work for them then submit those to Woodward.