Left inset: Jorge Arbaiza; background: McDonald’s where he was fatally shot (KHOU). Right inset: Antoine Ridge (Harris County Sheriff’s Office).
Jorge Arbaiza, a 61-year-old grandfather from Texas, was simply trying to pick up Happy Meals at a McDonald’s for his grandchildren when he found himself in the middle of a dispute between two groups that had nothing to do with him. Unfortunately, he was hit by a stray bullet during the altercation, leading to his tragic death, as reported by Harris County authorities and his wife.
His wife, Teresa Arbaiza, was in the car with their two grandchildren at the time of the incident. She became worried when she saw an armed man, heard gunshots, and observed people fleeing in panic from the restaurant. Teresa was unable to enter the restaurant to help Jorge as she could not leave the frightened children unattended.
“I’m dying. I’m going to die’” he reportedly said in his final words to her on March 16. His wife said he had been shot five times.
Arbaiza’s final act was to make the sign of the cross and pray as he died, authorities said.
Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez shared a poignant detail about the incident, mentioning that as Jorge Arbaiza was taking his final breath, he made the sign of the cross of Jesus Christ and said a prayer. This small gesture left a profound impact on those present during the tragic event, and Sheriff Gonzalez expressed his hope for peace for Mr. Arbaiza’s soul.
Gonzalez announced Thursday that Antoine Ridge, 24, was arrested for murder.
Another person was reportedly struck in the incident but survived.
To make matters worse, one of the shooters was using a Glock handgun equipped with a “Glock Switch,” that allowed the weapon to be an automatic instead of semi-automatic. Multiple
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— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) March 20, 2025
At the time of the shooting, Ridge also faced warrants for aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon, and reckless driving. He is held on a $1 million bond. Authorities vaguely described the shooting as gang-related.
They ask that anyone with information call the sheriff’s office or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477). One of the groups involved in the shooting was in a maroon SUV, and the other was in a white sedan, though authorities said they managed to track down one of the vehicles.
“He was crazy for his grandkids,” Teresa reportedly said of her husband, Jorge.
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