American man sentenced to 2 years for 2020 ‘sudden passion’ murder in Austin

Travis County jury convicted 39-year-old Michael Ruscoe of murder on Friday, according to the District Attorney's Office.

By Edward Era Barbacena

On Aug. 26, 2020, Ruscoe shot and killed 51-year-old Derrick Ray Amoriko. The Austin Police Department responded to the scene in the 6600 block of Janes Ranch Road in southeast Austin. Amoriko died at the scene.

A grand jury indicted Ruscoe on April 28, 2021. He was arrested at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio shortly after.

Ruscoe’s trial began with jury selection on Dec. 12. The jury deliberated and found him guilty at the end of the week.

“Our office is committed to holding people who commit acts of violence accountable,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this verdict brings closure and peace to the victim’s family.”