Woman told her ex-boyfriend that killing her was the only way to see the kids again, so he went to her workplace and shot her dead as she was hugging a co-worker behind the counter; sentenced
Arizona – In a heartbreaking incident in Arizona, a 30-year-old man, identified as G. Alvarez, committed an act of violence that led to the death of his ex-girlfriend, M. Ramirez, and left a teenager seriously injured. Alvarez has been sentenced to 42 years in prison after accepting a plea deal that reduced his charges from first-degree murder to second-degree murder, among other offenses.
The tragic event unfolded on April 12, 2023, when Alvarez entered Ramirez’s workplace. Witnesses reported that Alvarez seemed to have come with a clear intent, as he waited for Ramirez to appear at the counter before he approached as she was hugging a co-worker and fatally shot her. The attack also critically wounded one of her young co-workers, who was standing close to her at the time.
County Attorney R. Mitchell highlighted the ruthlessness of the crime, noting the profound impact on the victims and their families, especially the two young children who lost their mother. The scene described by authorities and witnesses paints a picture of a premeditated and cold-blooded murder, exacerbated by the fact that it occurred in a public setting, adding to the trauma experienced by other employees and customers present. Mitchell said during the proceedings that Ramirez was terrified that Alvarez “would do something to the children,” which she “did not want to happen.” “Not only did a young mother lose her life that night, but multiple young people were also put in harm’s way and will have to live with the trauma of what they saw and heard due to the defendant’s callous actions. In committing this offense, he altered many lives, but most of all, those of his own young children,” Mitchell added
Investigations revealed a tumultuous relationship between Alvarez and Ramirez, involving arguments over their relationship and their children. Moments before the murder, Alvarez had an altercation over the phone with Ramirez. According to police reports, Alvarez claimed he initially did not intend to kill his ex-girlfriend, but Ramirez had provoked him by suggesting that killing her would be the only way he could see his children again.
After the shooting, Alvarez fled the scene but was quickly apprehended by law enforcement. During his arrest and subsequent interviews, he admitted to the shooting but claimed he had not intended to injure Ramirez’s co-worker, stating she was “simply in his way.” Alvarez’s trial was a significant event, drawing attention to issues of domestic violence and the protection of children from familial harm. In court, Ramirez’s family described her as a devoted mother whose primary concern was the safety and well-being of her children. The impact statements provided by her family painted a picture of a woman who lived for her children and did everything she could to protect them from the instability and violence that Alvarez represented.
The plea agreement, resulting in a 42-year sentence, was part of an effort by prosecutors to ensure that Alvarez would not pose a further threat to society. This sentence also reflects the serious nature of his crimes, including the premeditated murder of Ramirez and the attempted murder of her colleague. The community and Ramirez’s family have been left to cope with the aftermath of this tragic event. The local authorities and the district attorney’s office have stressed the importance of recognizing the signs of domestic violence and the necessity for victims to have robust safety plans. The case has also highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding domestic violence and the need for effective legal protections for victims.