MIAMI (WSVN) - A man has pleaded guilty to multiple attempted first-degree murder charges in a 2017 Palmetto Expressway shooting.
In May of 2017, 36-year-old Horvin Ruiz unloaded at least 108 rounds from a modified AK-47 and handgun at police and traffic near Northwest 74th Street on the Palmetto Expressway.
Ruiz’s lawyer said his client was mentally ill and suggested this could have been prevented.
“Obviously, my client accepted blame for his actions today by taking the plea,” said defense attorney Josh Howard. “There’s something to be said for self-admitting to a hospital for mental health issues and a week later this happens.”
Police said on the morning of May 29, 2017, Ruiz was driving south on the Palmetto Expressway when he quickly turned around and drove the wrong way.
He then crashed into a minivan packed with a family, including a pregnant woman.
Ruiz then got out of the vehicle and opened fire at passing cars before surrendering to authorities after running out of ammunition.
None of the civilian victims were present in court, but the officers who responded were.
“The prosecutor in this case was very fair considering the 30 or so charges of attempted murder, police officers involved. I think it was over 100 rounds fired,” said Howard. “To avoid the statutory minimum mandatories and potential life in prison is a win.”
Ruiz’s guilty plea was made in exchange for 18 years in prison at a 10-year minimum sentence. He was also given two years of community control and 10 years of probation.
Copyright 2025 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.