Ernesto Gonzalez Jr., a 34-year-old Hispanic male, tragically died on November 2, 2014, in Brownwood, TX. He was the owner and operator of Strong Arm Moving Company and had a passion for classic cars. Ernesto was found unresponsive in an alleyway on Brady Avenue after a 911 call reported gunfire in the area. Detectives from the Brownwood Police Department, along with other local law enforcement agencies, began an investigation into his death.
The investigation revealed that Ernesto was
shot, and his body was transported to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. Witnesses and persons of interest were interviewed, but no arrests were made immediately following the incident. The police indicated that the shooting appeared to be an isolated incident and did not pose a threat to the public.
In the aftermath of Ernesto's death, Michael John Zarate, a 34-year-old neighbor, was arrested and charged with murder. During the trial, Zarate's ex-girlfriend testified that she witnessed him shoot Ernesto. Additionally, jailhouse calls played in court revealed Zarate did not deny killing Ernesto when questioned by his mother. Texas Ranger Jason Shea, who assisted in the investigation, testified that the evidence pointed to Zarate as the perpetrator.
After a trial, a Brown County jury found Michael John Zarate guilty of murder and tampering with evidence. He was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after serving a third of his sentence. Zarate's mother testified in court, claiming she did not believe her son committed the crime. Despite the tragic loss, Ernesto's eldest daughter, Vanessa, expressed forgiveness towards Zarate during the trial.
The case remains a significant event in Brownwood, TX, and the community continues to remember Ernesto Gonzalez Jr. for his contributions and the impact he had on those around him.
