Bio

John Reyes Matamores was born on May 18, 1963, in Texas. Before the killing of Edward George Goebel, Matamores had already been involved in criminal activity and had served prison time for a prior burglary-related offense. Reports also stated that he was on parole in 1990. He later lived in the same Houston neighborhood as Goebel. Their close proximity became an important part of the investigation after the fatal attack.

Murder Story

On July 19, 1990, 70-year-old Edward George Goebel was killed inside his Houston home in Harris County, Texas. Evidence presented at trial showed that John Reyes Matamores entered the residence during a burglary and attacked Goebel with a knife.

Goebel suffered numerous stab wounds during the assault. Authorities later stated that the elderly victim was stabbed repeatedly and died inside his home. The brutality of the attack became a major factor in the prosecution’s capital murder case.

Police were led to the crime scene after a report from Matamores’ younger brother. Investigators discovered evidence linking Matamores to the killing, and he was arrested. Prosecutors charged him with capital murder for committing murder during the course of burglary and robbery.

At trial in November 1992, a jury found Matamores guilty. During the punishment phase, jurors answered the required special issues in favor of a death sentence. On October 29, 1993, he was formally sentenced to death.

Matamores later pursued appeals in state and federal courts, raising issues involving trial evidence, intellectual disability claims, and the testimony of expert witnesses. His case received continued legal review for years after the conviction.