Zion Gibson, accused of shooting to death the mother of his three-year-old daughter in the little girl’s presence, has been apprehended in Arizona and currently is in custody at the Apache County Jail. The jail is not far from the New Mexico border.
Gibson, age 26, awaits extradition back to New Mexico. After arriving in New Mexico, Gibson will likely be charged with first-degree murder, child abuse and burglary.
Shortly before 1 am, on Monday, May 23, police officers responded to a “domestic incident” in the 700 block of South Fifth Street in Lovington.
At the scene officers found Rosa Elena Trujillo, age 25, who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Although lifesaving efforts were given by authorities, Trujillo succumbed to her injuries.
Authorities later learned that Gibson had fled the scene of the shooting and was traveling to Arizona.
According to Lovington Police Chief David Miranda, Gibson, after driving to Arizona, was pursued by the Arizona State Police. After a high-speed chase Gibson crashed his car in Holbrook, Arizona. Later, after a brief standoff with the police, he surrendered to authorities.
More Details Are Now Known
According to a FOX10 news report of Tuesday, May 31, Chief Miranda “…told KOB-TV in Albuquerque as he was driving back from Holbrook, Arizona, [on] Monday [May 30] that 26-year-old Zion Gibson killed the victim as the 3-1/2-year-old girl was nearby.”
Specifically about the incident FOX10 reports that investigators learned that Trujillo called 911 after Gibson “showed up outside her home” on May 23. It was further reported that Trujillo would not let Gibson into the home.
KOB news reports that during the 911 call the dispatcher overheard Trujillo yell, ”You f****** scare me,. I’m not answering the door.”
Allegedly the dispatcher then heard, “Zion! You just broke my f****** window, I’m already on the f****** phone with the cops.”
After several more exchanges back-and-forth, the dispatcher heard Gibson yell, “Are you gonna f****** cheat on me again?!”
Trujillo allegedly told the dispatcher that Gibson had a gun, after which the dispatcher allegedly heard six gunshots. A pause followed, and then five more gunshots sounded.
FOX10 also reports that “authorities say Gibson called the victim’s parents and told them to check on the child because he had just killed Trujillo.”
Investigators have also learned that while being pursued by the Arizona State Police, Gibson created and posted a video on social media admitting killing Trujillo, states an article posted at NewsBreak.com.
At the time of this publishing, the Lea County Tribune had received no information from authorities about measures that are being taken to ensure the protection and well-being of the toddler.
