Ryan Daniel Gonzalez, 26

Ryan Daniel Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Latino man, was shot by an off-duty deputy U.S. marshal behind 7315 Melrose Ave. in hollywood just before midnight Wednesday, March 5. According to police, the marshal was arguing with his wife in an alley near the intersection of Poinsettia Street and Melrose Avenue, when Gonzalez intervened. After arguing with the marshal, Gonzalez allegedly brandished a gun at him. Police then claim Gonzalez grabbed the marshal and began punching him in the head several times. The marshal broke free and identified himself as a law enforcement officer, but Gonzalez continued to point the gun at him. Fearing for his life, the marshal pulled out a sidearm and fired several shots. Gonzalez was hit multiple times and was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. the next day. The marshal, whose name was withheld pending an investigation of the incident, was later arrested on suspicion of domestic battery.

Comments

[SR]

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH RYAN'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WAS KILLED IN AN ACT OF "SELF-DEFENSE" WHEN HE WAS TRYING TO DEFEND THE WIFE FROM HER "LAW ENFORCEMENT" OFFICER, AND INSTEAD HE ENDS UP DEAD!!!! WTF? I THINK THAT THE OFFICER SHOULD ALSO BE CHARGED FOR MURDERING A GOOD SAMARITAN. IS HE TRYING TO CLAIM "SELF-DEFENSE" TO COVER UP FOR WHAT BROUGHT ON THE VICTIM'S INVOLVEMENT? IT'S LIKE THAT SAYING, "YOU'RE DAMNED IF YOU DO, AND YOU'RE DAMNED IF YOU DON'T" IT'S A SHAME THAT THIS CAN BE HAPPENING!

[Bleau]

This sounds sketchy. It would be a huge loss if this man died because he was trying to help a female stranger who was being physically assaulted by her husband in an ally. A marshal’s wife? I hope she tells the truth. Im sure she’s terrified of her husband who as it seems isn’t afraid of publicly humiliating her and obviously has taken advantage of his power as an officer of the law. I hope that the outcome of this investigation is fair and just. My heart goes out to the victim and his family. May Ryan Daniel Gonzalez rest in peace.

[Green Tea]

It sounds to me like this guy was being a good Samaritan and intervening when he saw a woman being abused by her husband. Unfortunately, since the deceased guy has a past criminal record and the abuser happens to be a law-enforcement officer, the victim doesn't have as much credibility. (Not to mention that he can't tell his side of the story because he's dead.) I realize that there are a lot of good law-enforcement officers out there, but there are also too many power-tripping, abusive, murderous idiots like the one who shot this poor guy.

[It is what it is]

The reason people don't get involved with assisting women in distress is because of incidents like this. I believe this good sumaritan heard/saw this woman in an alley being accosted by a man. Doing what a small percentage of men would do, he came the aid of the fellow person. After fighting with this man, he breaks free, identifies himself as an 'law enforcement officer' and draws a gun. I ask you, would believe he was an officer? Arguing in an alley with woman (no less his wife)!!! Who should be claiming self-defense? He wasn't a good sumarita, he a great being. Rest in peace, Ryan.

[Jessica]

It's very SAD to see that someone trying to protect another person be killed. Hopefully the office claiming so called "SELF DEFENSE" be charged for the murder. But it's to doubt that.... First of all how can it be self defense if the Office was the one arguing in public with his wife, he could of possibly been beating her and Ryan shows up to defend her. The office already pumped from the argument must of just turned around and started the confrontation with Ryan... My deepest condolences go out to the Family... May you R.I.P Ryan~

What a loss to be in a country with such firm laws but yet they are not enforced were their needed.

[By Stander]

It's funny how daniel was just pointing the gun but never shot it and allowed himself to get killed! I guess only celebrities and law enforcement get away with murder!
Maybe the gun was planted!
Only the wife beater knows....how come the marshall wasn't taken in for domestic violence?

[Averroes]

"Fearing for his life, the marshal pulled out a sidearm and fired several shots."

BULLS**T! This sounds like a typical police cover up. The U.S. marshall needs to be stripped of his badge and tried for FIRST DEGREE PREMEDITATED MURDER!!

He is a cold-blooded killer hiding behind a badge.

Either remove bad cops from the street and put them in prison or don't expect the public to show any respect to the police.

[Misi Bauman]

I work at the store next to Ryan's, this happened behind our stores in the parking lot. Hours before this terrible event happened, Ryan had walked my coworker to her car making sure she got there safe. He would always check in on us throughout the day and into the night. Just knowing he was close by, was such a comfort. He was seriously one of the sweetest guys I've met here since I've moved to LA. I am so angry that such a sweet guy, constantly looking out for women's safety, was shot down by someone sworn to protect... (while beating his wife). What is this world coming to? Makes you wonder if those swearing to uphold, are even fit for duty.

[Daledo]

To It is what it is- I agree completely. Why would he believe the guy was an officer? And even so, what kind of a man, much less an officer beats on a woman in an alley?

I hope the public doesn't forget this case. I really hope that we don't see the following occur;

Little by little the establishment will
1. Stall for time, letting things 'cool off'.
2. Not officially, but by using well-placed words and leaks they will begin to discredit the victim enough to raise doubts in the public's mind.
3. Finally allow the shooter to get off relatively lightly after all the reporters have moved on.

I am all for supporting any enforcement officer who does the right things. If the facts are what is being reported, I can't see how this officer should be supported. I hope we all stay with this story.

I pray for Ryan's family and I hope that they never tire in their search for justice.

[Nicholas]

How come the officers name is still being withheld. And why hasnt there been any fallow up articles on this shooting. Was the officer tested for drugs or alcohol at the time of the shooting. How come the L.A. Times only posted police report info, and not statements made by witnesses. This all puzzles me. Im sure there is alot more to this story that will never be known.

Whats the U.S. Marshalls office take on this. Are the playing a role in covering this up. Did they know about the officers abusive tendenceys.. Besides that what was the officer doing carring his firearm off duty. For those just in case moments.

[Juan]

i work a few businesses away from where this happened. one of my employees was actually walking on his way to work when the shooting happened. he heard more than 8 shots fired. some witnesses said more than 12. he was shot all over his torso. does that sound like "self-defense" to you?

[Peter Young]

I don't see why the police should be able to withhold the name of the marshal who shot someone to death merely because the shooting is under investigation. In any event, since, as the report says, the marshal was later arrested for spousal battery, hen the public is entitled to his name on that basis alone. What gives with all the hush-hush surrounding a very suspicious shooting committed by an alleged law enforcement officer? I suppose it's routine in a police coverup effort.

[CODE ONE]

Instead of some of you asking why an off-duty law enforcement officer was armed, you should be asking yourself why an ex-con had a firearm in HIS possession in the first place.

ALL off-duty officers are allowed to carry firearm's off duty. And for the "self-defense" comments. PLEASE! The Marshal was punched first by Gonzlez, then Gonzalez brandished a firearm. So explain to how this is self-defense. He wasn't trying to defend himself. He was attempting to break up a fight between a man and a woman. He would have been better off being a good witness and calling the police. Which brings me back to my first point. HE SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN ARMED BECAUSE HE WAS A CONVICTED FELON!!!

[daledo]

Code One-

Self Defense is defined as "The right of self-defense (also called alter ego defense, defense of others, defense of a third person) is the right for civilians acting on their own behalf to engage in violence for the sake of self-defense of one's own life or the lives of others, including the use of deadly force."

Defending another person whom you believe to be in serious danger may give you the same rights as the person being attacked- the right to defend that person.

This article never mentioned Mr Gonzolas' criminal history. If Mr Gonzolas was a felon, I agree he shouldn't have had a gun, but you make it sound as if that excuses the marshall (your friend/coworker?) for his actions.

If you are a supporter of the marshall then you will have a hard time winning sypathy here. I hope (but doubt) he gets sent away for a long time.

[Jennifer Zamora]

I really believe that the gun was planted ( IF HE EVEN HAD ONE IN THE FIRST PLACE). Like said before if Ryan had one he would of used it in self defense. This Us marshall was most likely drunk while beating his wife, and took all his anger out on Ryan who was just trying to help save a women who was crying out for help from her own husband. What does Ryan's past hafe to do with this situation? Ask youself what would you do in Ryans situation? Would you call the police and stand back watching this women be beaten or whatever may have happen to her because of your past and live with regret, or save the poor women from her violent husband. Ryan was a Hero. I hope his family finds justice for Ryan. RIP Ryan

[Cesar Serrano]

A police officer beating on his wife in Public. How Pathetic is that. If i came to the rescue of this lady and tried to help her. Would I believe it was a COP! No way in Hell. I would think he was lying and call the Police myself. As far as the guy who was Killed, I am sorry to hear that. But the best thing he should've done was to observe and report. LAPD respond's Code 3 to almost all Domestic Violence Calls. This would have been a priority. RIP and I hope they prosecute the Marshal. As it is he started all this trouble. Don't they usually charge people with murder when an innocent person get's killed.

[Suspicious]

This is very suspicous and after the off duty officer shot this guy, after being fired up from beating up his wife and this young man intervening, he takes out his rage on him and is trying to cover this up. Why doesn't the reporters on this story ask the witnesses that were there for their version? This is a one sided story coming from the words of this off duty officer. Drunk from probably coming from a bar nearby, then enraged that his wife takes off and runs to the nearest people, and then this young man stepping in trying to stop this guy from getting to his wife, and claiming this young man hit him first? I would question that too. Yeah, lots of things don't connect here and it should be more investigation on the part of the LA Times, they have a hot story here. They want it to look like a prior felon just off and tried to kill this off duty officer, not likely, especially when he knows he's not suppose to carry a firearm. Needs a good reporter to dig some and find out what really happened. Step up to the plate and get the whole story. That's what real reporting is about, not just a column to fill a spot.

[shame]

What a shame!!! That's how you reward someone who just saved your wife? YOU REWARD THEM BY SHOOTING THEM MULTIPLE TIMES? "THAT'S YOUR THANKS, 'WOW'!!! I hope this Marshall feels like a real man! If this Marshall can't even control his own anger with his loved ones, what would be expected by a stranger? I know people tend to forget the one who sees all and knows all, God did see it! I know there are still people who stand for what is right and doing what's right and I hope justice is served! They tried to exploit this young mans past well, this MARSHALL NOW HAS A CRIMINAL PAST! Why would this Marshall be allowed to carry a firearm when anyone knows drinking and guns don't mix. We don't live in the wild wild west or do we? It takes wisdon/responsibilty to carry such dangerous weapons. Drinking causes the ability to react unreasonably. Who knows what the marshall was really going to do to his wife. Thank God we still have some good men that care. I hope his wife realizes the price that was paid for her safety. RIP. RYAN.

[SHAME]

What a shame! Is this is how the marshall rewards the one who tried to save his wife by shooting him multiple times! This is amazing! We don't live in the wild, wild west or do we? We all know that drinking and guns don't mix! No marshall should be allowed to carry a firearm unreasponsibly. What did this young man really save his wife from? DRINKING AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO REACT REASONABLY! I hope he feels like a real man now. "Beating his wife, drunk in public, shooting to death a young man trying to save his loved one, sounds like this Marshall has a past of his own now! IF HE CAN BE SO ANGRY WITH HIS LOVED ONE, WHAT CAN WE EXCEPT FROM HIM REGARDING A STRANGER? Sounds like he was way out of control FOR a trained officer! I hope his wife realizes the cost that was paid for her safety. I know not many people think much about the one who knows all and sees all but God was on the scene. I hope JUSTICE IS SERVED! Rest in PEACE RYAN.

[Angel Fairman]

Ryan was my son's cousin. I for one have a lot of questions. How can a so called U.S Mashall let himself be beat in the head by someone holding a gun? Where were the marshalls hands? Self defense? What a joke and this is being swept under the rug because Ryan had a questionable past. Well what kind of past does the deputy have? A wife beater? Come on, who was the criminal that night? The marshall. Ryan was on his way to finding god in his life again, he was seeking peace and a new beginning. Please! reporters get the real story.

[Private Eye]

Scandalist!! I smell a cover up! When I read the first story on this situation, I figured it wasn't right. How could a person hit someone in the head and hold a firearm? Need more than 2 hands to do that unless you are pistol whipping. Tell me why this off duty officer didn't show his badge and say he was a US Marshal when the young man approached him? Well, first, he was doing something a Marshal shouldn't of been doing, assaulting his wife in public or behind the scene. Bet this wasn't the first time for the two of them. Why wait until your losing to break away and claim to call out US Marshall and shoot? About that gun the young man had, wonder why he didn't shoot it. Fighting so hard, punching the off duty officer in the head, wouldn't that of fired it off? I can't buy this story and foremost, why didn't the Marshal say he was a Marshal at the begining of this? He could of told him I am a US Marshal and I have this under control, but my, I'm chasing a woman in my regular street clothes? It really worked out for the Marshal that the young man had a rap sheet or how else would he explain his actions against a civilian? Think about this, it could of been anyone coming to the aid of this woman and when a family dispute happens, people are fired up and even police know, it can turn ugly. Too bad for the young man that he approached a man sworn to protect and serve who couldn't control his own personal business. I don't think anyone is safe when you have people carrying firearms that are issued to them for work. I truely hope the LAPD finest finds out what really happened here and not judge the book by it's cover-young man with a rap sheet because he wasn't hanging around looking for someone to accost, this situation came to him, he wasn't looking for trouble, like the lady said, he had just checked in on them to make sure they were okay. This officer was probably upset that this man had interrupted what he was trying to do to his wife and then him beating him up, Poor young man, the rage of this office was taken out on him, and he made sure he would talk after shooting him so many times. Couldn't he of just shot him and not killed him or riddle his body with so many bullets? Lets look at the story as it is and not use this guys past to justify this officers actions.

[Noah]

To Code ones remarks...
What can you really say to that. I was wanting to tell him off b/c of his stupid comment. Ryans past has nothing to do with the situation. He never harmed anyone to get himself into Jail, It was things that were stupid teenager things that he had done to continue to go to jail.... I mean yes he used a car without permission, he didn't steal it. He went back for underage drinking, ok who doesn't or didn't do that. Yes he carried a dagger in his pocket, but I carry a pocket knife, you can't trust any one. SO YOU CODE ONE, YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.. YOU REALLY ARE THAT STUPID. EX CON GIVE ME A BREAK..HE ONLY GOT CAUGHT DOING DUMB STUFF THAT WE ALLL DID BEFORE AND WE JUST DIDN'T GET CAUGHT. HE WANTED TO HELP THIS WOMAN THAT WAS TERRIFIED. NOW IF THAT WAS YOUR SISTER, YOUR MOTHER, OR YOUR DAUGHTER..THEN I THINK THAT YOU TOO WILL BE CALLING RYAN A HERO FOR NOT TURNING THE OTHER CHEEK. HE DIED SO THAT WOMAN WOULD BE SAFE. THINK ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH... YOU ATLEAST HAVE A MOTHER DON'T YOU? REMEMBER, THAT IT COULD OF BEEN HER CRYING OUT FOR HELP. WOULD YOU WANT SOMEONE TO TURN THE OTHER CHEEK. AND WAS IT REALLY NECCESARY FOR THE MARSHAL TO SHOOT HIM SEVERAL TIMES ALL OVER THE TORSO. THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT AND THEN HE CAN REALLY REST IN PEACE

[Heather]

If the wife of the marshall is reading this...please please tell the truth about what happened that night..you are not helping anyone by keeping quiet about what your husband did...there are plenty of places for you to go and seek out help..please if not for yourself, do it for this poor man's family who lost their son..their brother..their uncle..to help you...how many times has someone walked by when you were getting hurt..turned their ears away from your pleas...looked through you like you weren't getting hurt??...one man stood up for you...now you should do the same for him..

RIP to Ryan...I hope it's some comfort to his friends and family that he died helping someone...

[NOT FOR BAD COPS]

IN MY OPION RYAN WAS A HERO.IF HE WOULD NOT HAVE INTERVENED MYBE THAT MARSHEL WOULD HAVE GOT MAD AND SHOT HER WHO KNOWS. A REAL MAN DON'T HIT THERE WIFES SO THAT MARSHEL WASN"T A MAN. HE IS A MUDER. THATS WHATS WRONG TODAY WITH THIS NOT TO MENY OF THEM ARE PUT AWAY. BUT LET SOMEONE LIKE THAT MAN RYAN OR SOMEONE ELSE SHOT ANY BODY LIKE THAT MARSHEL DID THEY WOULD HAVE PUT THEM AWAY FAST. I'AM NOT SAYING THAT THERE ARE NOT GOOD LAW INFORCEMENT OUT THERE BUT THERE ARE BAD ONES TO. I HOPE THEY LOOK INTO IT REAL GOOD AND FIND JUSTICE.

[Valerie]

Ryan was my cousin. I havent seen him in years and I was planning on seeing him sometime this summer, but I wont get to do that now bc a man took his life. A man I am very angry at and hope they put him away behind bars and i hope that as long as he sit behind the bars that he think of how he took someones son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend away and i hope it eats at him everyday!!! I hope that everyday for as long as he lives that he will be literly tormented from taking him away someone that was truely loved from my family. Ryan was a good person who made some poor choices growing up, but i knew him and he wasnt a bad person. I love and miss you so much Ryan. Its not fiar! and I am so angry! I dont trust cops anymore.

[JR]

RYAN WAS A BROTHER TO ME AND TAUGHT ME ALL KINES OF STUFF HE WAS A ROLMODEL TO ME AND MY HERO I ALWEAS TOLD EVERY BODY THAT I WANTED TO BE LIKE RYAN WHEN I WAS LITTEL AND I WOULD ALWEAS BRAG ABOUT HIM TO EVERY BODY ABOUT HOW TALENTED HE WAS AND ALL THE THINGS HE COULD DO THAT HE TRIED TO TEACH ME, HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO FIGHT HE WAS TELLING ME HOW HE WANTED TO BECOME A UFC FIGHTER AND I TOLD HIM YOU SHOULD DO THAT BECAUSE HE WAS THE BEST FIGHTER I EVER KNEW I THINK HE WAS EVEN BETTER THEN BRUS LEE AND THAT WAS THE LAST TALK I HAD WITH HIM. BUT I STILL I REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS HE TOLD ME AND DID FOR ME. HE TOLD ME NOT TO BE A FOLLWER AND TO BE MY OWN PERSON NOT TO BE LIKE EVERY BODY ELSS BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE ,PEOPLE FOR GET ABOUT, AND TO STAY IN SCHOOL AND NOT TO GET IN TO ANY TROUBLE AND KEEP PLAYING MY SPORTS AND KNOW THAT HE IS GONE I CANT EVEN TELL HIM HOW I AM DOING AND ALL MY TROUBLES JUST CUZ A DUM COP WAS SCARED OF HIM AND HAD TO USE A WEOPEN MAN I HATE THTA STUPIED COP I WISH HE COULD KNOW HOW WE FILL!!!! AND JUST CUZ HE WAS TRYING TO HELP SOME ONE OUT AND NOW THE LADY IS BEING ALL SCARED AND DEFENDING SOME BODY THAT TRIED TO HURT HER AND NOT DEFENDING THE PERSON THAT RISKED HIS LIFE ,THAT TRIED TO SAVE HER I MISS HIM SO MUCH I LOVE HIM HE ALWEAS MAD EVERY BODY LAUGH RIP RYAN YOU'RE BROTHER JR LARA

[concerned]

You say the Marshall identified himself as a Marshall right before shooting the one who came to the aid of his wife? Why didn't he identify himself as a Marshall up right? Was the Marshall so upset that he forgot his formal trainning? Wasn't he suppose to identify himself immediately. This doesn't sound right! Sounds like he's trying to cover up his error! What else is he trying to cover up? This is why hardly any one steps out to help someone in distress. I heard a woman just the other day told her son "see what happens"! If you ever see something like this just run! It's a good thing we still have people like Ryan who tried to help. May he rest in peace.

[JR]

RYAN WAS A BROTHER TO ME AND TAUGHT ME ALL KINES OF STUFF HE WAS A ROLMODEL TO ME AND MY HERO I ALWEAS TOLD EVERY BODY THAT I WANTED TO BE LIKE RYAN WHEN I WAS LITTEL AND I WOULD ALWEAS BRAG ABOUT HIM TO EVERY BODY ABOUT HOW TALENTED HE WAS AND ALL THE THINGS HE COULD DO THAT HE TRIED TO TEACH ME, HE TAUGHT ME HOW TO FIGHT HE WAS TELLING ME HOW HE WANTED TO BECOME A UFC FIGHTER AND I TOLD HIM YOU SHOULD DO THAT BECAUSE HE WAS THE BEST FIGHTER I EVER KNEW I THINK HE WAS EVEN BETTER THEN BRUS LEE AND THAT WAS THE LAST TALK I HAD WITH HIM. BUT I STILL I REMEMBER ALL THE THINGS HE TOLD ME AND DID FOR ME. HE TOLD ME NOT TO BE A FOLLWER AND TO BE MY OWN PERSON NOT TO BE LIKE EVERY BODY ELSS BECAUSE THOSE ARE THE KIND OF PEOPLE ,PEOPLE FOR GET ABOUT, AND TO STAY IN SCHOOL AND NOT TO GET IN TO ANY TROUBLE AND KEEP PLAYING MY SPORTS AND KNOW THAT HE IS GONE I CANT EVEN TELL HIM HOW I AM DOING AND ALL MY TROUBLES JUST CUZ A DUM COP WAS SCARED OF HIM AND HAD TO USE A WEOPEN MAN I HATE THTA STUPIED COP I WISH HE COULD KNOW HOW WE FILL!!!! AND JUST CUZ HE WAS TRYING TO HELP SOME ONE OUT AND NOW THE LADY IS BEING ALL SCARED AND DEFENDING SOME BODY THAT TRIED TO HURT HER AND NOT DEFENDING THE PERSON THAT RISKED HIS LIFE ,THAT TRIED TO SAVE HER I MISS HIM SO MUCH I LOVE HIM HE ALWEAS MAD EVERY BODY LAUGH RIP RYAN YOU'RE BROTHER JR LARA

[Jose R]

This is a sad case. I had a similar situation happen to me where I intervened when I saw a man beat up his wife. Before I beat up the man pretty bad,I ended up getting stabbed in the arm by him.Since I was the one standing over the man when the police arrived, I was the one arrested for assault.6 months later in court the lady testified against me in court saying I had started it all.If not for an anynomous witness, i would have done some serious time. In hindsight, its always better to call the police right away instead of getting involved.Nevertheless this man Ryan Daniel Gonzalez is my hero and I thank him for doing the right thing.May he rest in peace.

[Mark]

Unless anyone was a eye witness to this shooting, then all you are doing is speculating on what or what not occured.

If you have questions, ask the investigating agency.

[Joel]

I have read some of these comments and they have made me happy to see that others can see through this madness. I am Ryan's older brother, and really want justice. We just buried my brother this past sat. and was a very sad day. Its crazy cause L.A. Times mentions my brother rap sheet, but fail to mention this marshall came from a bar, fail to mention the other witnesses that was there with my brother that said he never said he was a marshall, oh and what about the part where this lady ran to my brother and his co-worker and their costumers, not my brother running to them, she ran to them screaming for help and this marshall chased her and my brother stepped in front of him and pushed him back telling him to chill out for twenty or so yard backwards and not once did he say he was a marshall. Ya and it is kinda of funny to hear that my brother had a gun but never shot him back, considering he ran twenty plus yards and collapsed and never fired a round, and yet lapds finest still put cuffs on my brother as he was dying instead of trying to help him, and I bet this cop was getting treat like a hero......the truth will come out it always does.....to the lady my brother protected, I hope my brothers death does not go in vain and you earn what my brother did for you and sacrificed, this dude blew it and my brother paid for it.....he was doing the very thing that you husband was sworn to do!!!! He helped you life by giving his, I really hope this is a wake up call anyone that can lay their hands on you are garbage and dont love you. Please stand brave and dont fear this monster!!!! Love you bro and miss you and the truth will come out even if you can say your side, it always does.

[jr lara]

ryan was like my brother he is my hero i look up to him and i still do look up to him i reamember when i was littel i used to brag about him all the time to my friends that my older brother was the best older brother ever i never had an older brother and i told him once i wish i had a older brother and he told me that i do he told me he was my older brother and that made me so happy that he said that cuz i alweas new some one was there to watch my back and it was him he taught me so much stuff like playing the drums he was real good at that and he taught me how to fight but he told me never to start a fight only fight if really need to because real men dont start fights and the last time i spent with ryan he told me he wanted to become a ufc fighter and i was like o dang you should you would be good and he said he was but first he had to get his life straighten out but now he wont be able to do that because some man took his dreams away from him and his life and took my big brother from my life i really hope some thing heppens to the man that did this i cant believe some one could do that to some one that was such helpful and giving and i remember when i was smaller i wanted a snake and he used to tell me dont worrie you are going to get one soon and i kept asking my dad if i could have a snake and he told me no and one day ryan came up to me and asked me if i got a snake yet and i told him no and then he pulled out a littel snake and said now you have one and later he gave me one of his lizerds becuse he had two so i told him thanks and gave him a hug .i also reamember when i was smaller and i used to fall and start to cry ryan would tell me to yhell in sted of crying and he would yell with me to so after that i never cryed when i fell so what i am trying to say is that i miss my big brother ryan and i will alweas love you and never forget all the stuff you taught me rest in paradise my big brother

[missing him]

I have got to tell all of you reading out there what a great person he really is, the papers wanted to say his past but not his whole past. Ryan was raised in church since he was a toddler, my sister is a very strong Christain lady and gave the family the most important thing in life and that was God. He also went to Christain school, He loved playing intruments and played by ear like the piano and drums. He also made everyone laugh all the time. One thing that was the greatest is that he loved animals, When I had to babysit him and the kids he would take a bath with frogs like 7 of them, one time a wild possem was protecting him while he slept b/c his brother came home from the Marines and went into Ryans room the 3 legged possem starting hissing at Ryans brother b/c he was proctecting him, you know why? the possem had an injured leg and was infected, the possem couldn't walk, so to make the possem feel better and to probably live in the wild.. Ryan amputated the possems leg and even put a bandage on it, thats why the possem protected Ryan. I mean he loved animals. One time he came to visit me and I live in the south, I came home to him and a bird, Ryan said that he was hurt and that he was going to keep it in my bathroom until it got better to fly. He was so caring. See those things would gross me out and they still do and I wouldn't help them b/c of that. but Ryan did it cause he loved to do it and just wanted them to be better. See he cared about people too! He might of put up a front and try to be tough but deep down Ryan cared. This is why he helped this woman out when others would not get involved, like me an the animals I would of just left them and I am sorry I probably wouldn't of helped that woman physically b/c frankly I don't trust anyone. Ryan was amazing he did help and I am forever proud of him. To the wife that was so scared so was crying for help Please come foward and tell the truth, I will pray for you that God moves your heart and wil give you strength to stand up to your husband b/c my mother who is Ryans Grandma, was physically abused for years and she knows how scared you must be.. the only way she said made it was reading the bible and praying. So please come foward and fear not for the Lord thy God is with you.
Rest in peace Ryan your Auntie loves you 4 ever

[Earnest]

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God Matt 5:9

[MIssy]

MOST PEOPLE DNT KNOW WAT REALLY HAPPENED AND MOST JUST TALK WITHOUT KNOWING AND TRYING TO DEFEND THIS SO CALLED MARSHALL ...RYAN TRIED SAVING THIS WOMEN TAHT PUSHED HERSELF TO HIM TO GET PROTECTED BY THIS CRAZY DRUNK MAN THAT IS CLAIMIMG SELF DEFENSE ITS RIDICULOUS THAT THIS MAN TOOK RYAN'S LIFE WHEN HE WAS JUST HELPING THIS LADY THAT WOULD NO LEAVE .MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAM AND EVERYONE WILL MISS RYAN FOR THE BRAVE AND KIND PERSON HE WAS LET ME MENTION FUNNY MAKES YOU LAUGH THE MIN U MEET HIM WE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A PRAYER FOR U RYAN ALWAYS TO BE REMEMBERED

[Michelle M.]

It's been almost one month since we lost Ryan in this unfair tragedy. It's so very hard to think about what he went through that night and we all hurt from the pain. He was taken from us so tragically and we were never able to say our final goodbyes. We will not rest until this marshal is behind bars. Only three people really know what went on that night Ryan, the Marshal and most importantly God. He hears and sees ALL things, this we know!! He is a God of justice and I know justice will prevail! Although Ryan is not here, he will win this fight! We love and miss you Ryan and even though you are not here with us on earth, we will forever hold our memories of you close in our hearts and we will never forget you. You are now free of ALL worries and ALL pain, may you rest peacefully in the arms of our Almighty Lord Jesus!

[veronica]

i just wanted to let let that horrible person know that he killed someone very important to me but not only me the church and his family.well ryan i could tell you that it is much safer up there,even though i havnt been up there but hophely will see you there.ryan i luv and miss you its hard living with out you!everytime i look at your mom she has a tear and knowing that she is missing a caring child her personality shows that she luvs you.

[Still very sad.]

Since Ryan passed away life has not been the same without him. We miss him so much. A big piece of my life is missing because he is no longer here. Ryan was always happy and laughing all the time and trying to make others laugh as well. That is what I will never forget about him and all the memories I have with him. His 27th birthday is tomorrow and I really wish that he was here so we can celebrate with him but tomorrow isn't gonna be a celebration it's going to be a really sad sad day because we have lost a wonderful person to me and my family. It still isn't real to me that he isn't gone. I really do miss him everyday and we are still fighting for u ryan. Love u forever. R.I.P

[susie]

Rayn i miss you so much i now i did't get to see you that often but when you were here you always made my day. i love you and aways will. rip.

[It is what it is]

Any update on the POS that did this to Ryan?

[missy]

no updates yet all i know is that most likely pos is out and has been out with no charges

[Elvira]

Although I never knew this young man. This story really touched my heart and angered me. I cant believe that so much time has gone by and they are still investigating the case. This young man did what many of us dont do "Intervene" usually we all just look away and hope that our neighbors or someone else steps in. We dont want to be the ones left doing the work. All I can really say is if the justice of the earth doesnt catch up to that trigger happy wife beating Marshall divine justice will at its due time. My prayers and thoughts still go out to the family.

[Reachel Reeve]

It is almost a yr and the thought that is guy was suppose to protect us and for most protect his family, this Marshall did neither. The truth has come out lil by lil and it is deff the favor of Ryan.
This guy cold bloodedly murdered my nephew and I will pray for Gods mercy on you.

Like we said GOD ALWAYS PREVAILS! ALWAYS!
I would so like it if someday the paper will write a good heroic story on Ryan he deserves it.

IS totally waiting for the court date to hurry up on that sick guy. Be careful on trusting ppl of law

[MICHELLE]

1 YEAR LATER AND WE ARE STILL MOURNING THE LOSS OF RYAN'S DEATH. WE ARE STILL FIGHTING FOR YOU RYAN! WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!!! YOUR DEATH SHALL NOT BE IN VAIN!!!!! I KNOW YOU ARE IN A BETTER PLACE, I TRULY BELIEVE IT. I AM NOT ONE THAT BELIEVES EVERYONE GOES TO HEAVEN WHEN THEY DIE. BUT I JUST KNOW YOU ARE THERE! YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTON. I JUST WISH YOU WERE HERE, SO I CAN TELL YOU HOW MUCH WE ALL MISS YOU AND LOVE YOU!!!