Alleged murderer of Pasadena softball coach, 15-year-old, arrested: family speaks out

PASADENA, TX – The family of Ivan Ramirez, a well-known Pasadena area softball coach shot and killed on Easter Sunday, spoke to FOX 26 about the recent arrest of his alleged killer.

Houston police said a 15-year-old suspect was arrested June 6 in connection with the shooting and faces capital murder charges. Her oldest daughter, Alexis, told FOX 26 the family was shocked, but somewhat relieved.

“It doesn't change anything. It will never change,” Alexis said. “I just know that someone who took our lives has been found. We're just waiting to see what happens next.”

Police received a call around 4 p.m. on March 31 about a man shot in the 14000 block of Fayridge Drive.

Manny Ramirez, Ivan's son, tells FOX 26 the family was at home watching a baseball game when his father received an alert on his phone.

“He said he got a notification on his phone that his door was unlocked,” Manny said. “As I was grabbing my bat, he came running out. Three, four seconds later, I heard gunshots.”

Witnesses said Ramirez, 42, approached a suspect who was trying to steal his truck when he was shot. Manny, his mother and neighbors helped Ramirez until first responders arrived.

After suffering serious injuries, Ramirez was pronounced dead at a local hospital on April 17.

Details are limited on the juvenile suspect in custody, but the family says they were told he had a criminal history.

Ramirez was a longtime coach for the Texas Magic Fastpitch softball team. His tough style of coaching players resulted in several of them, including his children, receiving scholarships to play in college sports programs across the country.

Manny starts as a freshman athlete at Oklahoma Wesleyan University in the fall. Her younger sister, Ivanney, plays for Ursuline College in Cleveland, Ohio. All three children now help coach the Texas Magic teams in Pasadena.

“Her second family was softball,” Alexis said. “His children, his wife, baseball, softball… it's a family affair. It shows on the field. He was there.”