Ronnie Hernandez Jr. dies in fatal San Marcos shooting
Fatal San Marcos shooting death of Ronnie Hernandez Jr.
SAN MARCOS, Texas — A tumultuous Halloween period resulted in one fatality and several injuries following four separate shooting incidents throughout the city. The fatal incident occurred early Sunday morning outside a downtown bar.
Ronnie Hernandez Jr., 19, succumbed to gunshot wounds after being shot near a bar on Hopkins Street shortly before 1:18 a.m. Police Chief Stan Standridge detailed the event at a Monday news briefing. During this incident, two additional individuals were shot. One sustained injuries to the abdominal area and shoulder, while the other received wounds to the forearm and waist. Both companions were airlifted to Seton Hayes hospital where medical professionals anticipate full recovery.
This specific shooting marked one of four separate violent episodes during the weekend. Standridge reported a peak demand period where 37 emergency dispatches required rapid response, including urgent requests demanding two officers immediately.
In an attempt to manage the situation, the chief mandated that all downtown bars close at 1:18 a.m., approximately two hours earlier than their typical closing time. Standridge indicated intoxicated individuals were causing disturbances at the crime site and physical altercations were erupting.
The weekend’s violence commenced nearly 24 hours prior with a reported gunfire incident at the intersection of Old Ranch Road 12 and Houston Street at approximately 1:11 a.m. Saturday. Investigators concluded shots were fired from a moving vehicle into a wooded region, with a projectile entering an apartment complex occupied by residents. No one sustained injuries in that incident.
Shortly after the fatal downtown shooting, another shooting broke out at the Outpost Apartments on Post Road at 1:23 a.m. Sunday. Surveillance footage documented a significant brawl at the apartment complex swimming pool preceding the gunfire. One injured individual was transported to the hospital by concerned acquaintances; however, forensic evidence indicated a possible second victim.
A fourth shooting took place at the junction of LBJ and Hutchinson streets, adjacent to the location where the homicide investigation was ongoing. Investigators recovered twenty spent casings from that location without identifying any victims. Standridge confirmed a suspect was observed fleeing the scene and was eventually apprehended after being chased, tased, and taken into custody. The suspect is identified as Eliezer Johnson Hernandez.
Law enforcement authorities have identified two suspects connected to the death of Ronnie Hernandez Jr. and secured the vehicle used by the suspect. No formal arrests have been made public. Standridge emphasized the shooter remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
The chief further disclosed that San Marcos experienced a total of 38 shooting incidents through the current year, with six concentrated in the downtown sector. Standridge noted violent crime statistics appear to be increasing during 2025 compared to the two preceding years.
To address the ongoing crisis, multiple law enforcement organizations provided assistance, including the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Texas State University Police Department, and authorities from Kyle and Buda. Standridge announced the department will allocate a minimum of four officers specifically for duty in the downtown bar district on nights with anticipated large gatherings, in addition to support from university police personnel.
The San Marcos Police Department is soliciting any information from the public regarding these incidents and encourages anyone with relevant details to contact authorities. The homicide investigation is currently ongoing with dedicated detectives assigned to each case.
