John Anthony Rocky Riojas was a 37-year-old San Antonio Police Department officer who died after being shot while responding to a disturbance on the Northwest Side of San Antonio on the night of February 2, 2001. Officer Riojas received medical attention but died about two hours later.

Manuel Garza Jr. was arrested a few days after the shooting and charged, including with capital murder. The case went to trial in 2002, resulting in Garza’s conviction and a death sentence. Officer Riojas had served with the department for 11 years and left behind a wife and two young children; colleagues and the community remembered his dedication and sacrifice.