Over the weekend, a married couple in Tennessee was apprehended for allegedly shooting a woman in the back of the head at a restaurant. The couple was reportedly expelled from the establishment for exhibiting “irate behavior.”
On Sunday, Jose Montoya, 27, and his wife, Judith Ramirez, 26, were both apprehended and charged with one count each of attempted first-degree murder, employing a firearm in the commission of a felony, and vandalism between $10,000 and $60,000, according to court records.
Officers from the Memphis Police Department responded to reports of an aggravated assault at Tequila Town Bar in the 700 block of North Whitestation Road shortly after midnight on June 15, 2025, according to a probable cause affidavit. First responders conversed with a male individual who had been employed in security at the time of the purported incident upon their arrival.
The security guard stated that he was working late on Saturday evening when the bar proprietor informed him that Montoya was “behaving irrationally” inside the establishment. Montoya allegedly “became aggressive” toward the security guard when he approached him and advised him to “calm down.” Subsequently, the guard “escorted him outside of the establishment with his wife, who was later identified as Ramirez.”
“During the Escort, Montoya said ‘Y’all done f— up now,’” the affidavit states. “Judith advised that she opened the door, and Montoya retrieved a firearm from the vehicle. [The security guard] advised that he observed Jose go to his vehicle, retrieve a firearm, and begin firing shots at him. [The security guard] returned fire in self-defense. During the shooting, Montoya reloaded his firearm multiple times and continued shooting at [The security guard]. Both Ramirez and Montoya fled the scene without rendering aid to the victim.”
Police reported that the couple fled in a gray 2025 Kia SUV with Tennessee license plates.
The police were also informed by the bar staff that a female patron had been “shot in the back of the head” during the confrontation. She was transported to a nearby hospital in a critical condition. The victim’s present condition was not promptly addressed by the police in response to an inquiry from Law&Crime.
Police reported that Montoya discharged bullets at numerous vehicles in the vicinity, in addition to injuring the victim.
After seeing the couple’s vehicle in the driveway of a residence in the 3000 block of Josibpet Lane, investigators were able to locate them. According to authorities, the vehicle was examined by police, who discovered numerous spent bullet casings. A black and green handgun, which is believed to have been used in the shooting, was discovered by investigators in a pickup truck located at the same address.
Montoya and Ramirez were detected within the residence and apprehended. The Shelby County Jail is presently housing the duo without the requirement of a bond. On Tuesday morning, they are scheduled to appear for a hearing regarding the matter.
