HONOLULU — A shocking case unfolded in one of Hawaii’s most exclusive gated communities, where a man pleaded guilty to murder after his lover’s decomposing body was discovered encased in concrete in a bathtub. Juan Tejedor Baron, now 25, entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder in the death of 73-year-old Gary Ruby. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors agreed not to seek a sentence of life without parole. Instead, they will recommend a minimum term of 20 years to the Hawaii Paroling Authority.
Court documents revealed that Baron killed Ruby, covered his body in cement, and had plans to fraudulently claim ownership of Ruby’s car and home in Honolulu’s Hawaii Loa Ridge neighborhood. Records showed that Ruby had purchased the house in 2020 for nearly $2.2 million. The gruesome discovery of Ruby’s remains in a soaking tub came after his brother reported him missing. Reports indicated that Ruby had mentioned a new love interest named Juan in his last communication with his sibling, indicating that Juan was significantly younger.
Baron, fearing the smell, went to the extent of covering the cement with coffee grounds to mask any odor. Following a manhunt, U.S. Marshals and Los Angeles police apprehended Baron in a surprising location – a crawl space at the back of a bus bound for Mexico in Anaheim, California. Despite Baron’s desire to take responsibility, his legal team uncovered potential prosecutorial misconduct, adding a layer of complexity to the case.
As part of the plea agreement, Baron’s attorneys agreed to withdraw a motion alleging misconduct by a former prosecutor. Additionally, it was revealed in the agreement that Baron, originally from Colombia, had overstayed his visa. If granted parole, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement will take custody of Baron and initiate deportation proceedings. The shocking details of this case continue to unfold, shedding light on the tragic end to a relationship that turned deadly.
This case underscores the importance of thorough investigations and adherence to legal procedures, as buried details and possible misconduct come to the surface. The outcome of this plea deal will have far-reaching consequences for both Baron and the memory of his victim. As the legal process unfolds, the community remains vigilant in seeking justice for Gary Ruby’s untimely death.