The vibrant and tight-knit community of Tyler, Texas is reeling from the tragic death of Heriberto “Eddie” Ramirez, a 38-year-old father, son, and beloved local, who was fatally shot at Juniors Taqueria on October 11, 2024. The incident occurred following an escalating confrontation involving a previous dispute over service quality. Ramirez’s selfless act to de-escalate the situation ended in tragedy, leaving his family and community mourning the senseless loss of a life taken too soon.
A Regular Day Turns Deadly
Friday afternoon in Tyler, Texas, was like any other day for Heriberto Ramirez, affectionately known as Eddie to his friends and family. He was a man cherished by all who knew him, known for his strong sense of family, loyalty, and a kind heart. Eddie and his family had gathered at Juniors Taqueria, a family-run Mexican restaurant that had become a local staple for Tyler residents. The peaceful lunch was soon disrupted by an altercation that would forever change the lives of Eddie’s family.
At approximately 12:20 PM, two individuals, including the alleged shooter, Scottie Lee Goble, entered Juniors Taqueria and placed an order. What began as a routine service exchange quickly escalated into a full-blown confrontation when Goble and his accomplice complained that their order was incorrect. According to witnesses, the restaurant staff made every effort to resolve the issue, offering to correct the order and defuse the tension that was brewing inside the restaurant. However, their efforts fell on deaf ears as the customers’ anger escalated, eventually spilling over into hostility directed not only at the restaurant staff but also at other patrons dining in the establishment.
In response to the disruptive and aggressive behavior, the restaurant’s owners made the decision to refund the customers’ money and politely asked them to leave. Goble and his companion reluctantly complied, but the conflict did not end there.
Outside the Restaurant: Eddie Steps In
As the situation moved outside the taqueria, tensions remained high. A physical altercation between Goble and another individual outside the restaurant began to develop, prompting Eddie Ramirez to step in. Eddie’s brother, who had been involved in the initial dispute, was being verbally assaulted, and Eddie, known for his calm and peaceable nature, could not stand by without trying to help. His intentions were pure: to de-escalate the increasingly volatile situation and protect his family.
In a matter of moments, what began as an attempt to defuse the altercation took a horrifying turn. Goble, who was enraged and unyielding, brandished a firearm. Witnesses report hearing shouts and commotion as the gun was drawn. Before anyone could react, a single gunshot rang out. Eddie Ramirez had been struck in the abdomen, collapsing to the ground in front of stunned onlookers.
The Aftermath and Arrest
As Eddie lay gravely injured, bystanders rushed to his aid, calling 911 in a frantic effort to get medical assistance. Within minutes, first responders arrived at the scene, and Eddie was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the valiant efforts of paramedics and hospital staff, Eddie’s injuries proved to be too severe, and he tragically succumbed to the gunshot wound.
Back at the scene of the shooting, Tyler police officers swiftly took control of the situation, apprehending Scottie Lee Goble without further incident. Goble’s vehicle was found nearby, bearing the notable license plates with the inscription “certified firefighter.” Investigators have yet to confirm if Goble has any official affiliation with a fire department, but the plates have sparked additional questions about his background and potential involvement in other aspects of community life.
Goble was immediately charged with murder and was transported to the Smith County Jail, where he is being held on a $500,000 bond. His arraignment is scheduled in the coming days, and Tyler law enforcement officials are continuing to investigate the full details of the incident, including the sequence of events leading to the fatal shooting.
Community Grieves: A Life Cut Short
The shocking and senseless nature of Eddie Ramirez’s death has left the Tyler community in mourning. As news of the tragedy spread, tributes and messages of support began pouring in from those who knew and loved Eddie. Family members, friends, and even strangers were touched by the selflessness of Eddie’s final act—a man who sacrificed his own safety in an attempt to protect his brother and maintain peace.
Eddie’s mother, Blanca Ramirez, issued a heartfelt statement in the days following his death, expressing her overwhelming grief but also her deep gratitude for the outpouring of support. “I want to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support during this unimaginable time. My son was a light in our lives, and we will miss him every single day. He died trying to protect his family, and that’s the kind of person he was—always putting others first,” Blanca shared tearfully.
The loss of Eddie is felt not just by his immediate family, but by the entire community. A well-loved figure in Tyler, Eddie was known for his infectious smile and his generosity of spirit. Whether he was volunteering his time at local events or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need, Eddie was a man who made an indelible impact on everyone he encountered.
Investigating the Incident: Unanswered Questions
While Goble is in custody and has been formally charged with murder, many questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The incident occurred just months after Goble and others were banned from Juniors Taqueria following an earlier dispute over service. This prior altercation, combined with Goble’s known history of aggressive behavior, has led investigators to explore whether this was a premeditated act of revenge or an escalation of a long-standing grudge.
Law enforcement officials are also scrutinizing the significance of Goble’s “certified firefighter” license plates. Although Goble has not been confirmed as an active or volunteer firefighter, his possession of such plates has raised concerns about the possibility of misrepresentation or misuse of a public service designation. Authorities are working to determine whether the plates were legally obtained and whether they were in any way connected to Goble’s behavior on the day of the shooting.
Moving Forward: Honoring Eddie’s Legacy
In the wake of this devastating tragedy, Tyler’s citizens have rallied together to support the Ramirez family. A candlelight vigil was held in Eddie’s honor at the site of the shooting, where dozens of community members gathered to pay their respects and remember the life of a man who gave so much to those around him. The vigil was marked by prayers, the lighting of candles, and the sharing of stories about Eddie’s kindness and compassion.
Fundraising efforts have also been launched to help the Ramirez family cover funeral expenses and to establish a scholarship in Eddie’s name. The goal of the scholarship is to support local students who embody Eddie’s values of service, generosity, and family loyalty.
As the legal process moves forward and the investigation into Goble’s actions continues, one thing remains clear: the loss of Heriberto “Eddie” Ramirez has left a lasting void in the lives of all who knew him. The Tyler community, while heartbroken, has pledged to honor his memory by continuing the work of building a kinder, safer, and more just world—one that Eddie had always envisioned and worked toward.
