On the evening of April 6, 2023, 33-year-old Gabriele Felis "Gabby" Del Angel was fatally shot while sitting in a Jeep near a taco truck off Southwest Military Drive and Commercial in San Antonio, Texas. She and her ex-husband had gone to the taco stand to purchase food for their family. While her ex-husband was in line, an individual identified as 34-year-old Roland Contreras approached, brandishing a firearm and initiating a confrontation.
In an attempt to flee, Del Angel's ex-husband returned to the vehicle, but as they tried to drive away, Contreras fired a shot into the Jeep, striking Del Angel in the chest. She was subsequently driven to a nearby Valero gas station, where she succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Following the incident, San Antonio Police issued a murder warrant for Contreras, who fled the scene and remained at large for nearly a month. Initial efforts to apprehend him included a prolonged standoff at a residence, which concluded without his capture. Contreras was eventually located and arrested by the Covert Response Unit. He was booked into the Bexar County Jail on charges of murder, with bail set at $200,000.
Contreras had a notable criminal history prior to this incident, with records indicating at least nine arrests in Bexar County since 2009. His previous charges included multiple assaults and drug-related offenses. Some of these charges had been dismissed in the past due to various reasons, such as missing witnesses.
Del Angel's death was a profound loss to her family and the community. She was remembered as a loving mother of three children and a dedicated special education teacher. Her family described her as humble, patient, and deeply faithful, with a commitment to her children and students.
