On February 25, 2021, Yajaira Lizette Monsivais, a 25-year-old woman from Lubbock, Texas, was tragically shot and killed. The incident occurred after an argument over a stolen gun. According to police reports, Gabriel Lee Mendoza, 28, and his brother were involved in the argument. Mendoza fired several shots from a rifle towards Monsivais' vehicle, striking her.
Monsivais was the only person hit by the gunfire and was pronounced dead at the University Medical Center.
Following the shooting, Gabriel Lee Mendoza fled the scene but was later arrested by the Lubbock Police Department with the assistance of the Texas Anti-Gang Center. He was taken into custody without incident and charged with murder. Mendoza had a previous felony conviction for burglary, which prohibited him from legally possessing a firearm. He remained in the Lubbock County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.
The Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit continued to investigate the case, and Mendoza was indicted on a murder charge by a Lubbock County grand jury. The investigation revealed that Mendoza and his brother argued over stolen property, which was later identified as a stolen gun. Monsivais arrived at the residence in a white car during the argument, and Mendoza fired the rifle in her direction.
The tragic death of Yajaira Lizette Monsivais highlighted the severe consequences of disputes involving firearms and the importance of addressing gun violence in communities. The case also underscored the need for stricter enforcement of laws prohibiting individuals with felony convictions from possessing firearms.
