A Tennessee couple has been arrested after allegedly opening fire outside a Memphis restaurant, leaving a woman critically injured from a gunshot wound to the back of the head, authorities said.
Jose Montoya, 27, and his wife, Judith Ramirez, 26, are facing serious felony charges, including attempted first-degree murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and vandalism valued between $10,000 and $60,000, according to court documents.
The shooting took place shortly after midnight on June 15, 2025, at Tequila Town Bar, located on North Whitestation Road. Memphis police officers responded to the scene following reports of gunfire and an aggravated assault.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a security guard at the bar told police that Montoya had been behaving aggressively and causing a disturbance inside the establishment. When the security guard attempted to de-escalate the situation, Montoya became combative and was removed from the premises along with his wife.
While being escorted out, Montoya allegedly threatened the staff, saying, “Y’all done f— up now.” According to statements from witnesses, Ramirez opened the car door for Montoya, who then retrieved a firearm from the vehicle and began firing multiple rounds toward the security guard.
The guard returned fire in self-defense, but the violence escalated further. Authorities say Montoya reloaded his weapon several times and continued shooting. Amid the chaos, a female patron was struck in the back of the head by gunfire. She was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.
The couple fled the scene in a gray 2025 Kia SUV with Tennessee plates. In addition to injuring the woman, bullets struck several nearby vehicles, causing extensive property damage.
Using surveillance and witness information, investigators located the couple’s vehicle in the driveway of a residence on Josibpet Lane. A search of the vehicle uncovered multiple spent shell casings, while a black and green handgun believed to be used in the attack was found in a nearby pickup truck.
Montoya and Ramirez were arrested inside the home without incident. Both are currently being held without bond in Shelby County Jail and are scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning for a preliminary hearing.
Police have not released updated information on the condition of the injured woman, and the investigation remains ongoing.