UPDATE: Four men, including a former Guadalupe County Sheriff’s deputy and a Blanco County constable officer, are facing serious charges following a violent bar fight that erupted on November 3, 2023, at the Backwoods Icehouse located at 3301 Dreibrodt Road. This shocking incident has sparked outrage and scrutiny over law enforcement conduct.
According to the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), responding deputies quickly identified the key individuals involved: Alberto Trujano Jr., Juan Herrera, and Sheriden Murray. At the time of the fight, Murray was employed by the Blanco County Constable Precinct 1 and is a now-former deputy. Manuel Hernandez, also a deputy, fled the scene before authorities arrived.
In a rapid series of developments, Trujano was arrested on a warrant for parole violation and charged with disorderly conduct—fighting. Herrera was taken to a nearby hospital for injuries sustained in the altercation and was subsequently charged with the same offense.
The investigation by the GCSO’s Criminal Investigations Division, alongside the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers Division, led to the issuance of arrest warrants for Murray and Hernandez on November 19 and 20. Murray faces charges of unlawful restraint, while Hernandez is charged with disorderly conduct—fighting.
As a result of the investigation, Hernandez has been placed on administrative leave and was both dismissed from his position and booked into the Guadalupe County Jail on Wednesday. As of Thursday morning, Murray had yet to be apprehended in connection with his arrest warrant.
Sheriff Joshua Ray condemned the behavior of the involved officers, stating, “Our personnel will be held to the highest possible standards of conduct and accountability. I will not tolerate any form of unbecoming or criminal behavior from a law enforcement officer—of any agency—and especially from within my own ranks.”
The public remains on edge as this investigation unfolds, raising questions about accountability and standards within law enforcement. The GCSO has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and further developments are anticipated in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story evolves, and share your thoughts on how this incident reflects on law enforcement practices in your community.
