A 50-year-old Texas man has been indicted for murder after shooting his ex-wife's boyfriend in the head and body outside his home. Eric Renee Enriquez told police he acted to defend himself following threats from the victim. The incident occurred in Hewitt, a suburb of Waco, prompting a self-defense claim amid conflicting accounts.
On the night of February 5, around 9 p.m., police in Hewitt, Texas, responded to reports of at least 10 gunshots fired near a residence on Saddle Horn Drive. Officers discovered 54-year-old George A. Turrubiartez dead in the driveway, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest, abdomen, and head.
Eric Renee Enriquez, 50, emerged from the house with his hands raised and immediately stated he had defended his home. According to the arrest affidavit, Enriquez said the victim had threatened him and that he had a right to defend himself.
The victim's girlfriend, identified as Enriquez's ex-wife, provided a different perspective to detectives. She reported that Turrubiartez became upset after reading a text message between her and Enriquez, then left their residence. Tracking his location, she realized he was heading toward Enriquez's home.
Enriquez told investigators he received calls and texts from Turrubiartez announcing his arrival that night. Using surveillance footage, Enriquez saw the victim pull up in a 2021 Chrysler 300 and went outside to confront him. Enriquez believed Turrubiartez intended to start an altercation. He recounted that the victim uttered an expletive, after which he fired shots from an assault rifle. Enriquez said he did not know the exact number of rounds discharged and afterward returned inside to unload the weapon on the couch.
When informed he would face murder charges, Enriquez reportedly replied that Turrubiartez "shouldn't have been there" and added, "he would do it again."
Enriquez was indicted this week by the McLennan County District Attorney's Office on one count of murder. He is held in McLennan County Jail on a $750,000 bond. A defense attorney stated he is gathering evidence and anticipates building a self-defense case.