Second Biker Gang Member Sentenced for Deadly Whiskey River Bar Fight

SAN ANGELO, TX — A second member of a biker gang has been sentenced to prison following the deadly October 2, 2022, brawl at the Whiskey River Saloon, 125 E. Concho Ave., that resulted in the death of U.S. Marine Bryce Rudisell. Rudisell was fatally stabbed through the heart by Ray Vera, a fellow member of the Bandito-affiliated motorcycle gang.

Julian Suarez, also a member of the gang, pleaded guilty last week to two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and requested a jury determine his punishment. On Tuesday night, the jury sentenced Suarez to serve time in prison.

While Suarez was not directly involved in Rudisell’s murder, he attacked another Marine during the altercation. According to police, Suarez struck the Marine from behind with a glass beer mug as the victim was leaving the Whiskey River. After the initial blow, Suarez used the broken glass to slice the Marine’s finger and stab his arm.

Jury Focused on Surveillance Footage

During deliberations, the jury reviewed indoor and outdoor surveillance footage capturing the fights that erupted that night. The videos played a crucial role in determining Suarez’s level of involvement.

The defense argued that Suarez, serving as the sergeant-at-arms for the Jinetes motorcycle gang—affiliated with the Bandito Motorcycle Gang—was acting in his official capacity to break up the fight. Prosecutors countered that the role of a sergeant-at-arms is to protect the gang’s president at all costs, implying Suarez’s actions were in line with his gang affiliations rather than an effort to de-escalate violence.

A Double Life: Gang Member and Devoted Family Man

Testimony revealed a dichotomy in Suarez’s life. On one hand, he was involved in what police describe as a criminal motorcycle gang; on the other, he was portrayed as a devoted family man and active member of his church.

Pastor Mack Roller of Glen Meadows Baptist Church testified on Suarez’s behalf, highlighting his dedication to his faith. Suarez reportedly turned his life over to Christ in 2021 and participated in a church mission trip to Peru. His daughter, Giselle Suarez, shared emotional testimony about her father’s loving nature, displaying family photos to emphasize his role as a supportive parent.

“He was the dad every young girl wishes she had,” Giselle told the jury.

Just days before his sentencing, Suarez celebrated his 47th birthday with his family.

Sentencing and Civil Fallout

The jury sentenced Suarez to five years in prison for the first count of aggravated assault and 12 years for the second count. He will serve his time in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

The Whiskey River Saloon, where the fatal incident took place, permanently closed its doors on November 12, 2024. Meanwhile, a civil lawsuit filed by Rudisell’s mother is moving through the courts. The suit names multiple defendants, including the bar’s operating company, Southern Concho Entertainment, LLC, its security provider, and its landlord.

Other Cases Pending

Several other individuals connected to the biker gang and the deadly fight—Anthony Gise, Raymond Scott, and Jennifer Guerrero—still face criminal charges in Tom Green County. Ray Vera, who stabbed Rudisell, was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison on April 10, 2024.