Jose Angel Ruiz showed little emotion as the jury delivered a guilty verdict on all eight counts related to the child abuse death of 5-year-old Mercedes Losoya. His composure broke only during the trial’s punishment phase when his mother, Irene, tearfully recounted his own history of childhood abuse, some of which disturbingly mirrored the tortures inflicted upon young Mercedes.
While defense attorneys presented Ruiz’s past trauma as potentially mitigating circumstances, the jury remained unconvinced, ultimately sentencing him to life imprisonment for the horrific crime against Mercedes Losoya.
Mercedes Losoya tragically died at Texas Vista Medical Center on February 7, 2022. Two medical examiners testified during the trial, revealing the cause of death as rhabdomyolysis, a condition triggered by severe physical abuse that led to kidney failure.
Dr. Rajesh Kannan, who performed the autopsy, stated on Monday, “This child suffered trauma. It’s extensive. From head to toe. All over her body.” Rhabdomyolysis, while serious, isn’t always fatal if promptly treated. However, Mercedes had been ill for several days prior to her death, exhibiting symptoms like vomiting and fatigue, which are often associated with the condition.
Prosecutors detailed how Ruiz subjected Mercedes Losoya to escalating abuse throughout his months-long relationship with her mother. The abuse intensified dramatically in the three weeks Mercedes lived with Ruiz, her sister Jordynn, and their mother, Katrina Mendoza, in his home.
Under the guise of “discipline,” Ruiz inflicted brutal beatings upon Mercedes with a belt, buckle, and his bare fists. Witness testimony revealed disturbing acts of humiliation and torture, including forcing Mercedes to stand on thumbtacks, pulling out her hair, wiping feces on her face, and using her to “mop the floor” after she wet herself – an issue that her mother, Mendoza, admitted became more frequent after moving in with Ruiz.
Ruiz’s legal team attempted to shift blame onto Mercedes’ mother, Mendoza, for the abuse and even suggested that the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), which had previous interactions with the family, shared responsibility.
Brittany Mitchell from the Bexar County District Attorney’s office effectively countered this defense, stating, “We know that he hit that girl, again and again. And that little girl cried out for help, and, unfortunately, she did not get that help. CPS is not on trial. Police are not on trial. Jose Ruiz is on trial. We ask that you don’t lose sight of that.”
The jury heeded this call, delivering a guilty verdict and ensuring Jose Angel Ruiz will spend his life in prison for the death of Mercedes Losoya.
Katrina Mendoza, Mercedes’ mother, pleaded guilty to assault on a child by omission. She initially faced multiple charges, and concerns regarding her own potential abuse of Mercedes had been raised by family members prior to the child’s death. The family’s frequent moves in the year leading up to Mercedes’ death hampered DFPS efforts to locate and assist them.
