On January 19, 2010, in El Paso, Texas, 64-year-old Martha A. Crosby Gipson, a female of unspecified ethnicity, was found deceased in her home alongside her husband, 78-year-old Johnnie Gipson. Authorities determined that Johnnie Gipson fatally shot his wife before taking his own life in what was classified as a murder-suicide. At the time of the incident, Johnnie Gipson's daughter and grandson were present in the residence and contacted emergency services upon discovering the scene.
A handgun was recovered from the home, supporting the findings of the investigation.
Marriage records indicate that Martha and Johnnie Gipson had been married for seven years prior to the incident. Both were retirees from the U.S. Postal Service, and Johnnie Gipson had also served in the Army. No prior reports of domestic disturbances or violence between the couple were noted in the available information.
Martha A. Crosby Gipson was born on August 22, 1945, in Centralia, Illinois, and relocated to El Paso in 1970. She dedicated 26 years to the U.S. Postal Service before retiring in September 2007. Known for her kindness and active involvement in various community organizations, Martha was a cherished member of the Sage Hall Chapel on Fort Bliss. She is survived by her sister, Jewel Harron, and her three sons: Marvin Jerome Liggins, Carl Douglas Liggins, and Derek LeRoy Liggins, along with their respective families.
Following the incident, the El Paso Police Department concluded their investigation, confirming the murder-suicide and closing the case. No arrests were made, as the perpetrator, Johnnie Gipson, was deceased. Funeral services for Martha were held on January 26, 2010, at Sunset Funeral Homes-Northeast, followed by interment at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
