Court documents reveal new details about the deadly shooting at a Galena Park basketball court that led to arrests and a citywide park curfew.
GALENA PARK, Texas — Two teens have been arrested in connection with a deadly shooting at a popular gathering spot in Galena Park, and newly released court documents provide a detailed look at how investigators say the violence unfolded.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez announced Friday that investigators arrested Angel Mendiola Ramirez on a murder charge and Kevin Jaimes on an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge following the March 29 shooting at the Keene Street basketball courts near the Alvin Baggette Community Center and Galena Park High School.
The shooting later prompted Galena Park leaders to enact a citywide curfew at all city-owned parks.
Suspects identified, charges filed
According to Gonzalez, investigators identified the suspects as Angel Mendiola Ramirez and Kevin Jaimes.
“Detectives determined two groups of males agreed to meet at the park when Angel allegedly opened fire, striking Mario,” Gonzalez wrote in a social media update.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Violent Criminals Apprehension Team, with assistance from the Baytown Police Department, arrested both suspects and booked them into the Harris County Jail.
Court records state Mendiola Ramirez is charged with murder in the death of Mario Abraham Sosa Ruiz.
Jaimes is charged with aggravated assault after investigators alleged he shot and hit another victim.
Investigators detail what led up to shooting
According to charging documents, investigators believe the confrontation stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two groups of young men who agreed to meet at the park to fight.
Witnesses told investigators a black Chevrolet Silverado and a gray GMC truck arrived separately at the basketball courts shortly before the shooting. Court records say a physical altercation began before gunfire erupted.
One witness told investigators the victim, Mario Sosa Ruiz, arrived at the park with friends after someone requested to meet for a fistfight.
According to court records, witnesses said Kevin Jaimes removed a handgun from his waistband and approached someone who was recording the fight on a cellphone. Investigators allege Jaimes hit the person with the firearm and the gun went off, hitting another victim in the jaw area.
Documents state additional gunfire followed moments later.
Witnesses told investigators they believed Angel Mendiola Ramirez then began shooting toward the opposing group.
Court documents describe investigation
According to the affidavits, investigators used surveillance video from Galena Park High School, witness interviews, license plate reader data and social media accounts during the investigation.
Court records state investigators identified one suspect through the Instagram handle “mendlol_a.”
Investigators also executed search warrants connected to the black Chevrolet Silverado allegedly seen at the scene.
According to the murder affidavit, Mendiola Ramirez later admitted during an interview that he was present during the shooting and fired a handgun toward the complainant until the magazine was empty. Court documents state he told investigators he believed he struck someone while firing.
Curfew enacted at Galena Park parks
In the days after the shooting, Galena Park leaders announced a citywide curfew for all city-owned parks.
Under the temporary policy, parks will close from 9:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice.
The city also said it is adding 24-hour security monitoring stations in addition to existing surveillance cameras. Officials warned anyone violating the curfew could face charges.
The shooting renewed concerns in the community because multiple memorials already stand near the courts and community center honoring teens killed in separate shootings tied to the area since 2023.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the new security measures, with some supporting the curfew while others say more protections are needed.
Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com or call 713-521-4310 and include the best way to reach you.