Rene Mendez, a Texas resident, has been handed a life sentence without the possibility of parole for the horrific murder of his girlfriend and her daughter. The Webb County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that Mendez was found guilty on two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Sylvia Ramos, 40, and her 19-year-old daughter, Brianna Ramos.
The case was brought to the attention of authorities on March 6, 2023, when Sylvia’s brother, in a state of panic, led a Laredo police officer to his sister’s apartment. Upon reaching the Lomas Del Sur Blvd. residence, officers were met with the grim sight of the lifeless bodies of Sylvia and Brianna. Sylvia’s brother informed the police that his sister had been in a relationship with Mendez.
Later the same day, Mendez was found at a nearby Motel 6, having overdosed on drugs. He survived the overdose and was subsequently taken into custody.
Investigations into the case revealed that Mendez had stabbed Sylvia 55 times, primarily in the neck, and had strangled Brianna to death. Courtroom reports from the Laredo Morning Times indicated that Mendez first killed Brianna in her bedroom by strangulation. He then left the apartment to spend time with a friend, who testified that Mendez behaved as if nothing had happened.
Mendez returned to the apartment hours later and waited for Sylvia to return home. Upon her arrival, he attacked her with a pocket knife. Assistant District Attorney Kassandra de Hoyos stated during closing arguments that Mendez left Sylvia bleeding on the floor and her daughter dead in her bedroom.
Following the murders, Mendez stole Sylvia’s bank card, withdrew $500, and purchased $100 worth of cocaine. Prosecutors stated that he then consumed 130 pills, cocaine, and alcohol in an attempt to end his life.
De Hoyos emphasized during the trial that while Mendez’s addiction was a factor, it was not the cause of his violent actions. She stated, “Addiction was his motive, but addiction didn’t cause him to suffocate Brianna, addiction didn’t cause him to kill Sylvia with 55 stab wounds. It was that man over there.”