SAN ANTONIO – Prior to shooting Francisco Rodriguez, 18, to death on Dec. 20, 2011, Ruben Martinez had been involved in six shootings, was a gang member and a drug dealer, prosecutors said.
And, according to a pre-sentencing investigation, Martinez was once a "coyote" involved in smuggling undocumented immigrants.
In the December shooting of Rodriguez, Martinez fired into the teen's car after Rodriguez got in the way as Martinez and his brother raced their cars on Interstate 37 near Fair Avenue.
Before sentencing Martinez, District Judge Sid Harle commented on the teen's extensive criminal record.
"(As) a believer in the Second Amendment and the ability to possess firearms without limitations placed on that, you, on the other hand, would be the poster boy for the other side," Harle said.
Harle followed prosecutors recommendation and sentenced Martinez to life in prison. He will be eligible for parole in 30 years.