Katrina Marie Avitia, a 36-year-old woman from Loving, NM, tragically passed away on August 16, 2018, in Midland, TX. Katrina was born on January 19, 1982, in Carlsbad, NM, and was known for her creativity and dedication to her family and students. She was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and auntie, who enjoyed spending time with her sons and family, as well as engaging in creative activities such as make-up, painting nails, and crafting handmade Halloween costumes and Valentine's Day boxes
for her boys.
On the fateful day of August 16, 2018, Katrina was found by police officers responding to reports of shots fired in the 2900 block of Mariana in Midland. She had suffered gunshot wounds and was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. The investigation into her death revealed that she was shot by her ex-boyfriend, Oscar Gurrola, who was subsequently located by Midland police just outside the city limits. When officers attempted to arrest Gurrola on a murder warrant, he brandished a weapon at the police, prompting them to respond with force. Gurrola was shot and killed by the officers at the scene.
The case was turned over to the Texas Rangers for investigation, and the Midland Police Department conducted a concurrent internal investigation. All MPD personnel present who fired a weapon were placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, in accordance with standard operating procedure. The tragic loss of Katrina Marie Avitia left a lasting impact on her family, friends, and community, who continue to remember her as an amazing mother, daughter, sister, and auntie.
