MIDLAND, Texas (AP) — A Midland man has been charged with murder following an RV fire that resulted in the death of another person.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Midland County Sheriff's Office, on Nov. 24 around 11:30 a.m., authorities received a report of an RV fire. Upon arrival, officials discovered an unidentified deceased man. Subsequent investigation revealed that the RV belonged to an individual who was potentially the person found dead in the fire.
Family members informed investigators that they had never seen another man who had been with the deceased individual the day before the fire. On the day of the incident, the family noticed the absence of a 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a vehicle gifted to the deceased that was still registered under their name. The family asserted that the deceased never permitted anyone else to use the vehicle. The last sighting of the vehicle was at the residence the day before the fire and was subsequently reported stolen.
The deceased individual was transported to Dallas County for an autopsy, which revealed a fractured skull with internal bleeding on the left side. The Medical Examiner indicated that the fracture was likely caused by a hammer or similar object and confirmed that there was no evidence of soot in the deceased's lungs, indicating he was not breathing during the fire, affirming the death as a homicide.
During the investigation, law enforcement found a connection between an iPhone and the stolen vehicle, linked to a person unfamiliar to the deceased's family, identified as 19-year-old Anthony Alexander Gomez from Indiana. Gomez was reported to have pawned items at Cash America and was known for his aggressive behavior. Further inquiry revealed that Gomez had been accompanied by another individual during these interactions.
AnthonyGomezMugshot (Courtesy MCSO)
The investigation led authorities to a colleague of Gomez's, who was identified as owning a black and maroon 2002 Mitsubishi, and whose workplace was approximately eight minutes from a location pertinent to the case. Using a license plate reader (LPR) tool, authorities tracked movements of both the stolen Tacoma and the Mitsubishi on Nov. 24 at various locations.
Additionally, while no hammer was found at the scene, an open condom wrapper was discovered near the deceased's bed.
Further interviews and canvassing of areas tied to Gomez's whereabouts led authorities to a Mobile/RV park in Midland where the Mitsubishi was located. Neighbors indicated that Gomez and his colleague frequented this area, along with another RV park.
Following a search warrant, law enforcement found documents within the Mitsubishi, leading to additional details about Gomez, his colleague, and a woman associated with them. Subsequently, Gomez's colleague provided information suggesting Gomez's involvement in the incident.
Gomez allegedly claimed self-defense, asserting that the deceased attempted to assault and rape him, resulting in a physical altercation that led to the deceased's death. Gomez reportedly confessed to choking the victim until unconsciousness and striking him on the head.
Gomez voluntarily appeared at the Midland County Detention Center (MCDC) seeking to speak with authorities, expressing his willingness to cooperate but requested legal representation. Upon his arrival, he provided personal details and acknowledged understanding his rights upon arrest.
On Dec. 1, Gomez was formally charged with murder, and he remains in custody with a bond set at $1 million, according to the Midland County Sheriff's Office detainee list as of Tuesday.
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