On Wednesday, Oct. 30, a court hearing was held to determine whether a 16-year-old alleged suspect will be charged as an adult in the murder of 15-year-old Eriya Ruiz.

During the several-hour proceeding, several witnesses took the stand in person and in person, including former Nueces County Coroner Dr. Timothy Fagen, the alleged suspect’s probation officer, the Nueces County victim’s attorney and one of Eriye’s brothers.

Eriya’s family became emotional throughout the hearing as they listened to an autopsy examination that described Eriya’s fatal injuries. The court was told that Eriya had been stabbed with a kitchen knife at least five times and had several bruises on her body, including her face.

In the end, the results of the hearing were postponed to another day.

“This is just more anticipation, more nerves,” said Rita Allen, Eriya’s grandmother, “It’s like every time a court appearance is canceled, it’s like a build-up, and then we’re left with the bottom . We have to keep waiting. .”

It has been more than 16 months since Eriya was murdered at her home on the Pennine Way. KRIS 6 News first reported it on the back of the case when it happened in June 2023. We’re told her father found her in the front yard as he was getting ready to go to work.

During Wednesday’s court hearing, state attorneys noted that Eriye’s death may have been attributed to an earlier discussion that night between her and the alleged suspect.

Eriya’s family said it has been an emotional roller coaster, living life without her.

“I had a lot of anger, I still do,” said Edna Everett, Eriya’s grandmother. “Every day, every day, you wake up thinking about the situation. You go to bed thinking about the situation. My family’s life will never be the same. Not.”

KRIS 6 News was unable to speak with the alleged suspect’s family or attorney at this time.

As both families continue to wonder what’s next, Eriye’s sisters said they want everyone to remember the kind of person she was.

“I miss her hope, she was so sassy and that’s why we keep saying ‘be extra for Eriya,'” said her sister, Jazzmin Villanueva. “We will not stop until we get justice for her.”

“Her laugh, her eyes. She could light up a room, literally, she just walks in and lights up a room,” said Eriya’s other sister, Beyonce Villanueva.

The hearing will resume on Monday, November 4, with closing remarks followed by a decision by the judge.

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