On the morning of June 2, 2023, 53-year-old Black male Brian Noel was fatally shot in the chest in the 1600 block of Logan Avenue in San Diego's Barrio Logan neighborhood. Police responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire around 5:49 a.m. Officers found Noel suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and provided immediate first aid. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at a local hospital at 6:39 a.m.
Investigators determined that Brian Noel had a brief verbal altercation with the suspect shortly before the shooting. The suspect fled the scene with several other individuals. Through interviews with witnesses, analysis of surveillance footage, and examination of evidence, detectives identified 42-year-old Black male David Gatheright as the suspect. Gatheright is described as 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and several tattoos on his neck and chest.
On November 19, 2023, law enforcement officers in St. Petersburg, Florida, arrested Gatheright at a residence in the 5400 block of 1st Avenue South. He was extradited to San Diego and booked into the San Diego County Jail on December 4, 2023, on an outstanding warrant for murder.
Brian Noel was initially described by police as homeless. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Gatheright is being held without bail pending arraignment.
