Crime
Ruben Gonzales Charged With Capital Murder in Big Spring Double Homicide That Killed Willis Duval and Marcus Pena
BIG SPRING, Texas — A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged with capital murder following a deadly double shooting late Thursday night in Big Spring that left two men dead, according to authorities.
The Big Spring Police Department said officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Oriole Street at approximately 11:05 p.m. on May 22, 2026, following reports of shots fired in the neighborhood.
When officers and deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene, they discovered two men lying in the front yard of a residence in the 1600 block of Oriole Street.
The victims were identified as 44-year-old Willis J. Duval and 23-year-old Marcus D. Pena.
Emergency responders from the Big Spring Fire Department and Allegiance EMS attempted lifesaving measures at the scene, but both victims succumbed to their injuries.
Investigators determined that both men had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. Justice of the Peace Averette later officially pronounced the victims deceased.
The Big Spring Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, identification personnel, and the Texas Rangers responded to assist with the homicide investigation.
Authorities said detectives and Texas Rangers immediately began interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and pursuing investigative leads connected to the shooting.
Following the investigation, officials said probable cause was established to charge 22-year-old Ruben A. Gonzales with capital murder.
Detectives and Texas Rangers obtained an arrest warrant, and Gonzales was taken into custody on the morning of May 23, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of Canary Street.
He was booked into the Howard County Detention Center on the capital murder charge.
Authorities said the investigation into the fatal shooting remains active, and no additional information has been released at this time.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact the Big Spring Police Department.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.