Violent man who sexually abused a woman goes to prison

SAN ANGELO, TX — A San Angelo man accepted a plea deal for several serious charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and sexual assault. Jerry Ray Gonzalez, 23, of San Angelo, pleaded guilty to assault on a family member, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, sexual assault, causing deadly conduct by discharging a firearm and violating a restraining order.

According to court documents, on June 22, 2021, police responded to a report of a male assault victim in the 900 block of Glenna Street. Witnesses reported Gonzalez engaging in a physical altercation with the victim while brandishing a knife.

During the altercation, Gonzalez stabbed the man several times in the upper body, arm and head. The victim suffered life-threatening injuries and required medical treatment. Among other things, he was given a chest catheter for a collapsed lung and his wounds required stitches.

Surveillance footage from a nearby business and witness statements showed Gonzalez at the crime scene.

In addition, Gonzalez is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman on the same day and, according to the indictment, used a firearm.

On March 21, 2022, San Angelo Police responded to an assault in progress in the 2400 block of SMU Avenue in College Hills. Officers spoke with a woman who reported being assaulted by Gonzalez following an argument at a residence.

The woman’s CSI photos showed visible red marks under her jaw, indicating strangulation.

The homeowner, who stated that Gonzalez and the victim were together and frequently stayed at the residence, provided RING doorbell footage. The footage showed an argument between Gonzalez and the victim at 6:06 a.m. Gonzalez punched the victim after spitting on her. He then chased her into the front yard, where he put his arms around her neck and dragged her backwards. Police heard the victim struggling on the RING doorbell footage. After a while, the video sound became eerily quiet as the screams of the woman, who was gasping for air due to Gonzalez’s chokehold, stopped.

Charges against Gonzalez include sexual assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, deadly conduct, battery on a family member and violation of a bail or protective order.

In exchange for his guilty plea, Gonzalez received concurrent sentences of eight years for assault on a family member, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and violation of a restraining order, 10 years for deadly conduct by discharging a firearm and 12 years for sexual assault.

These verdicts will result in Gonzalez serving a prison sentence of 12 years or until he is eligible for parole.