From Joseph Gamboa’s appeal:
On the night of June 23, 2005, Ramiro “Ram” Ayala, the owner of a San Antonio bar named Taco Land, was working alongside employees Denise Koger and Douglas Morgan. Shortly after the bar opened, between 10:00 and 11:00 in the evening, appellant and Jose Najera entered the bar. Neither man was known to the employer or his staff. Patrons Paul Mata and Ashley Casas arrived at around 11:30 p.m. They purchased a couple of beers and began a game of pool. Shortly afterwards, appellant approached Paul, introduced himself as “Rick,” and asked to play pool. After Paul and Ashley finished their game, appellant and Paul began to play. Another patron, Anita Exon, left around midnight and remembered seeing two Hispanic males who remained at the bar.
At some point during the pool game, appellant approached Ram and began to argue. Appellant then put a gun to Ram’s stomach and shot him. Paul and Ashley hid in a nearby closet. Douglas and Denise hid behind the bar, only to be confronted later by appellant. Appellant told Douglas to open the cash register, but he was unable to do so. Appellant then shot him and had Denise open the cash register. After she retrieved the money, appellant demanded any money that was not kept in the register. While Denise was complying, appellant shot her in the back and commenced kicking her in the head. He then picked up Douglas and shot him again.
Shortly afterwards, appellant and Najera left the bar. Denise was able to telephone 911 for help while Paul attempted to render aid to Ram and assist Denise with the phone call. Ram died that same night; Douglas lived for three more weeks before succumbing to his injuries.
(I could not find a picture of Douglas Morgan. If anyone has one that they would let me use, please let me know)
Tacoland Owner – Ram Ayala – R.I.P.
A MySpace Tribute to Ram Ayala
A blog about Taco Land and the people who knew Ram
Guilty verdict in Taco Land murders
Taco Land killer’s childhood described (about 1/2 way down)
Case Summary – Joseph Gamboa v. State
Texas Death Row: Joseph Gamboa
Joseph Gamboa v The State of Texas 2009
Taco Land murder suspect takes plea
Joseph Gamboa is looking for pen pals
Two Charged In Taco Land Slaying (several articles)
Joseph Gamboa – Texas Death Row
Taco Land killer returns to court
Joseph Gamboa, convicted killer, seeks new trial
Taco Land reopens 9 years after owner slain in robbery
Defendants
Joseph Gamboa – convicted, sentenced to death
Jose Najera – pled guilty, sentenced to 50 years in prison
INMATE INFORMATION
SID Number: 05291247
TDCJ Number: 01517521
Name: NAJERA,JOSE
Race: H
Sex: M
Age: 33
Maximum Sentence Date: 2055-07-07
Current Facility: ROBERTSON
Projected Release Date: 2055-07-07
Parole Eligibility Date: 2030-07-07
Offense History:
Offense Date Offense Sentence Date County Case No. Sentence (Y-MM-DD)
1996-11-25 UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEH 1997-08-12 BEXAR 97 CR 0011W 2-00-00
1999-09-11 THEFT $1500 $20K-VEHICLE 2000-01-25 BEXAR 1999CR6351 2-00-00
1999-09-30 THEFT $1500 T0 $20K 2000-01-25 BEXAR 1999CR6352 2-00-00
2003-04-11 THEFT $1500 TO $20K 2003-05-13 BEXAR 2003CR3414W 2-00-00
2003-04-11 EVADING ARREST/DET WITH VEHICLE 2003-05-13 BEXAR 2003CR3415W 2-00-00
2005-06-24 MURDER 2008-07-17 BEXAR 2005CR7168B 50-00-00
2005-06-24 MURDER 2008-07-17 BEXAR 2005CR7170B 50-00-00
INMATE INFORMATION
SID Number: 05792491
TDCJ Number: 00999526
Name: GAMBOA,JOSEPH
Race: H
Sex: M
Age: 26
Maximum Sentence Date: DEATH ROW
Current Facility: POLUNSKY
Projected Release Date: NOT APPLICABLE
Parole Eligibility Date: NOT APPLICABLE
Offense History:
Offense Date Offense Sentence Date County Case No. Sentence (Y-MM-DD)
2000-04-25 BURG OF BUILD-INTENT THEFT 2004-02-17 BEXAR 2000-CR-3319A 1-00-00
2005-06-24 CAPITAL MURDER(DEATH) 2007-03-08 BEXAR 2005CR7168A 8888-88-88
Like this:
Like Loading...
Filed under: crime, high profile, murder, murder in the 21st Century | Tagged: death penalty, Douglas Morgan, Jose Najera, Joseph Gamboa, Ram Ayala, restaurant/fast food murders, Taco Land | 6 Comments »
Bonnie's Blog of Crime 