In the quiet city of Hot Springs, Arkansas, a devastating event shattered the peace on April 17, 2023. On that day, 4-year-old Leilani Blayne Lucio, a White/Caucasian female, was fatally wounded in a shooting that also left a 30-year-old man, Rosendo Lucio, injured. The incident unfolded in the afternoon, around 2:17 p.m., at a residence on Carson Street.
Emergency services were promptly dispatched to the scene after reports of gunfire.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered both Leilani and Rosendo Lucio suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds. Immediate life-saving measures were administered at the scene before both victims were rushed to a local hospital for urgent medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, young Leilani succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. Rosendo Lucio was treated for his injuries and survived the attack.
The Hot Springs Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division immediately launched a thorough investigation into the tragic shooting. Their efforts quickly led to the identification of a suspect, 18-year-old Alejandro David Gasca. In a swift response, law enforcement located and apprehended Gasca on the same day as the shooting, at approximately 9:15 p.m. Following his arrest, Alejandro David Gasca was charged with one count of Murder in the First Degree for the death of Leilani Blayne Lucio and one count of Battery in the First Degree for the injuries sustained by Rosendo Lucio.
