Mia Altamirano, a 17-year-old female of Hispanic ethnicity, tragically lost her life on April 4, 2020, in Lubbock, Texas. Mia was one of two victims in a double homicide that occurred at an apartment in the 2100 block of 49th Street. The incident took place in the early hours of the morning when Ricky Darnell Clardy Jr., 22, and Malachi Lamar Gibson, 20, allegedly confronted four individuals at the apartment door.
An argument ensued, and Clardy fired multiple rounds from a pistol, fatally striking Mia and 20-year-old Michael Bean. Two other individuals were injured in the shooting.
Investigations revealed that the shootings were in retaliation for a drug robbery involving Bean and Altamirano earlier that day. Witnesses and other victims identified Clardy and Gibson as the perpetrators who approached the apartment and attempted to break down the door. Clardy was taken into custody on April 6, 2020, and charged with murder on April 8, 2020. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of murder and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. Gibson also faced charges and pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, receiving a 20-year prison sentence.
The families of the victims were consulted about the plea deals, and they expressed satisfaction with the sentences handed down to Clardy and Gibson. The case was resolved efficiently, providing some measure of justice for the loss of Mia and Michael.
Mia Altamirano's death was a tragic event that shook the community of Lubbock, Texas, and her memory continues to be honored by those who knew and loved her.
