Manuel Fernando Garza | Murderpedia, the encyclopedia of murderers

Manuel Fernando GARZA Jr.

Classification: Murderer

Characteristics: To avoid arrest

Number of victims: 1

Date of murder: February 2, 2001

Date of arrest: 2 days after

Date of birth: August 8, 1980

Victim profile: John "Rocky" Riojas, 37 (San Antonio police officer)

Method of murder: Shooting

Location: Bexar County, Texas, USA

Status: Sentenced to death on November 8, 2002

Name	TDCJ Number	Date of Birth
Garza, Jr., Manuel	999434	08/08/1980
Date Received	Age (when Received)	Education Level
11/08/2002	22	10
Date of Offense	Age (at the Offense)	County
02/02/2001	20	Bexar
Race	Gender	Hair Color
hispanic	male	black
Height	Weight	Eye Color
5 ft 10 in	157	brown
Native County	Native State	Prior Occupation
Bexar	Texas	laborer
Prior Prison Record
n/a
Summary of incident
On 02/02/2001, in San Antonio, Garza shot and killed a San Antonio Police Officer with the officer's gun, while the officer was attempting to arrest Garza on outstanding arrest warrants.
Co-defendants
n/a
Race and Gender of Victim
Hispanic male

Convicted Cop Killer To Appeal Death Penalty

WOAI News

March 31, 2008

A man convicted of killing a police officer heads back to court on Monday.

Manuel Garza has received the death penalty, but wants a new trial.

Garza killed Officer John Rocky Riojas in February 2001 following a chase and struggle on the northwest side. Garza used the officer's gun.

Evidence led police to Garza, but they say he didn't give up without a fight. One officer spoke about Garza's arrest during his trial.

"After I tackled him to the ground, I jumped," said Patrick Saenz of SAPD. "We're both on the ground. He began swinging punches at me, trying to kick me, attempted to get away I'm sure."

Garza and his attorney plan to make an appeal for a new trial today. We'll let you know what happens.

The victim

Police Officer John Anthony "Rocky" Riojas