Wesley Ruiz was sentenced to death by the State of Texas for the murder of a police officer. According to court documents Wesley Ruiz would fatally shoot Dallas Police Senior Cpl. Mark Nix following a high speed chase. Wesley Ruiz would be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death
Wesley Ruiz 2021 Information
Name | Ruiz, Wesley Lynn | |
TDCJ Number | 999536 | |
Date of Birth | 11/20/1979 | |
Date Received | 07/16/2008 | |
Age (when Received) | 29 | |
Education Level (Highest Grade Completed) | 11th Grade | |
Date of Offense | 03/23/2007 | |
Age (at the time of Offense) | 29 | |
County | Dallas | |
Race | Hispanic | |
Gender | Male | |
Hair Color | Black | |
Height (in Feet and Inches) | 5′ 9″ | |
Weight (in Pounds) | 200 | |
Eye Color | Brown | |
Native County | Dallas | |
Native State | Texas |
Wesley Ruiz More News
Friday night, the Dallas jury that convicted cop killer Wesley Ruiz of murder has now sentenced him to death. Jurors delivered the late verdict after deliberating at the Frank Crowley Courthouse since Friday morning.
The jury deliberated for more than 10 hours over the life or death decision. It took the jury only 3 ½ hours to convict Ruiz.
This was the punishment phase in the trial for Ruiz who was found guilty of shooting and killing Dallas Police Sr. Corporal Mark Nix, in March of 2007.
Officer Nix was shot and killed as he approached Ruiz’ vehicle following a high speed chase.
There were some dramatic moments during closing arguments in the courtroom as prosecutors demonstrated the results of Ruiz’ deadly actions by slamming a metal object against the jury box.
During the trial, defense attorneys had argued that Ruiz shot in self defense. Now, they’re hoping the same group will spare their clients’ life. “Your ‘no’ vote is the most precious thing on earth for Mr. Ruiz and I ask you not to throw that away,” defense attorney Paul Brauchli said to the jury.
Prosecutors are asking for the death penalty. “This piece of metal [his badge] was the crown of Mark’s young life,” prosecutor Andy Beach told jurors. “This piece of metal, to this man [Ruiz], was a bull’s-eye.”
The only options for the jury were life in prison without parole or the death penalty.