On July 10, 2024, Victor Garcia was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Nicole Knippa Ruttan. The sentence was handed down by Judge Stephanie Boyd in the 187th District Court after Garcia chose to enter a plea. Garcia must serve at least one-half of his sentence before being eligible for parole. Ms. Ruttan's family was present for the plea and sentencing.
On October 8, 2022, a neighbor called police after witnessing Victor Garcia assaulting Nicole Knippa Ruttan in the front yard of her home. Garcia repeatedly struck and stabbed Ms. Ruttan, ultimately killing her. They had been in a dating relationship at the time and lived together at the house.
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Allie Jackson of the Family Violence Division and advocate Marina Winter handled the case on behalf of the Bexar County Criminal District Attorney's Office.
"Murderers must be held accountable for their crimes. This sentence reflects a continuing commitment to see that murderers, including and especially those who commit murder as a part of domestic violence, pay a price for their actions," said Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales. "We hope this justice will allow Ms. Ruttan to rest in peace and will bring closure to her family."