Family Confronts Killer Who Encased Lover in Cement in Bathtub: ‘You Buried Him Alive’

Family confronts killer who encased lover in cement in bathtub: ‘You buried him alive’

Juan Baron, a 26-year-old Colombian man, was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to murdering his 73-year-old lover, Gary Ruby, in Hawaii in 2022. According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, Ruby was killed between Jan. 19, 2022, and March 7, 2022. Baron confessed to authorities that he killed Ruby after the victim disclosed testing positive for HIV, detailed in an arrest warrant from PEOPLE. Using a belt, Baron killed Ruby, then dragged him into a bathtub, slitting his wrist to make it appear like suicide.

After discovering bags of concrete in his garage, Baron concealed Ruby’s body in the bathtub and used coffee grounds to mask the odor. He fled Hawaii with a friend and was later apprehended in California, where he was found hiding in a Mexico-bound bus. Baron also admitted to living in Ruby’s $1.2 million home and driving his Audi A6 as his own, intending to fraudulently acquire the property through forgery, per the warrant.

Judge Cathy Remigo handed Baron two counts of theft and one count of identity theft for looting from Ruby post-mortem. The Hawaii Paroling Authority will establish the mandatory minimum sentence before he can seek parole. At Baron’s sentencing, Ruby’s family members shared memories of the 73-year-old’s love for literature, plays, and fine art. Reflecting on Ruby’s final moments, they expressed their anguish over the horrific circumstances of his death, with one niece revealing that particles of cement were found in his lungs.

During the court proceedings, Ruby’s brother, Lorne Ruby, directed his words at Baron, condemning the inhumane and evil act of burying his brother alive in cement. With a strong emotional impact, family members made their voices heard, uncovering the harrowing details of Ruby’s tragic demise and the unfathomable suffering he endured at the hands of his killer. Their powerful statements resonated with the courtroom, painting a vivid picture of the pain and loss inflicted upon their loved one.

The case has sparked outrage and disbelief within the community, shedding light on the brutal reality of domestic crimes and the devastating aftermath they leave behind. As the legal process unfolds, the confrontation between the victim’s family and the perpetrator serves as a poignant reminder of the deep scars left by such heinous acts. The resilience displayed by Ruby’s family in the face of unspeakable tragedy is a testament to their unwavering strength and determination to seek justice for their beloved Gary Ruby.

In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the community stands in solidarity with the Ruby family, offering support and compassion as they navigate through the difficult road ahead. The emotional testimonies shared in court reflect not only the profound impact of this tragedy on the family but also the enduring legacy of Gary Ruby, whose memory will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him. The pursuit of justice in his name continues, as the echoes of his untimely death reverberate through the hearts of all who mourn his loss.