Michael Peart, 35, said he owes his second chance at life to Judge Ruben Reyes, who he met 29 months ago when he started drug court, a specialty court program in Lubbock for probationers whose addiction is the source of their criminal troubles.
On Dec. 17, the second-to-last drug court session of the year, Peart walked to the front of the 72nd Court Room, and received a certificate and other gifts for graduating from drug court.
It was a bittersweet moment. On one hand, Peart was solidly walking on a path of sobriety that he wouldn t be on had Reyes not inspired him. On the other hand, Reyes was not there to congratulate him.
State District Court Judge Ruben Reyes work was honored with a candlelight vigil at dusk Thursday. It was put on by defendants in his adult drug court.
The drug court was developed to divert people out of or away from jail and into recovery. The vigil included portions of the program Judge Reyes used to guide them. He definitely believed in us, the people who are addicts, you know?, said Jason Gutierrez, who participated in the program. Who lived a horrible life back then. He believed we can change and we are changing. For somebody at a higher rank you know, like a judge showing us, as addicts, that he does care? That means a lot to us.
Drug Court participants honor Judge Ruben Reyes with candlelight vigil outside Lubbock County Courthouse
Candlelight vigil for Judge Ruben Reyes By Melanie Camacho | December 17, 2020 at 10:10 PM CST - Updated December 17 at 10:20 PM
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - State District Judge Ruben Reyes was known nationwide for his work with specialty courts, working to provide solutions for addicts in the legal system, instead of just putting them in jail. On Thursday, a group of people helped by Judge Reyes gathered to remember him.
Those who attended the ceremony on Thursday night described Judge Reyes as a man who changed their lives.
“I immediately wanted to do so much for him because I know that he would. He does a lot for us, and he did a lot for us,” said Jason Gutierrez.
He was a strong advocate for and presided over the county s Adult Drug Court.
364th District Court Judge William Eichman said he cared deeply for those struggling with addiction. He would provide a sounding board for them. He d get to know them. He was more than just the Drug Court judge to them he was their family in some ways. I think if you don t have the heart for it, you shouldn t do it. He did and that s just the person that he was, Eichman said.
He was appointed to the bench in 2006, covering both Lubbock and Crosby counties.
99th District Court Judge Bill Sowder said Reyes was raised to care about others.
Funeral arrangements announced for State District Judge Ruben G. Reyes; candlelight vigil on Thursday Rueben Reyes, Judge in 72nd District Court (Source: L.Scott Mann) By KCBD Staff | December 15, 2020 at 10:03 AM CST - Updated December 16 at 1:09 PM
LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Funeral arrangements have been announced for Honorable Ruben G. Reyes.
Reyes died from complications after an extended battle with COVID-19. Reyes was 56-years-old.
Visitation has been scheduled at the Church on the Rock South Campus. Visitation times are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 16, 2020.
The family of Judge Reyes will hold a memorial service at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Church on the Rock-South Campus.