Tragic Firearm Accident Claims Life of Young San Angelo Mother

SAN ANGELO, TX — A somber atmosphere envelops the community as details emerge about the tragic and untimely death of 23-year-old Samantha Ibarra. The young single mother of two lost her life in a heartbreaking firearm accident on Monday night.

Samantha had spent the day at a shooting range with her brother of the same age, Benjamin Ibarra, who told police he was a recent dischargee from the U.S. Marines and had shared his knowledge of firearm safety with her. However, the day took a devastating turn upon their return to a residence on Willeke Drive.

According to the arrest affidavit, Benjamin, alongside his friend Jesse Rios, was examining an assault rifle in one of the bedrooms. The firearm, a black Radical Arms rifle, was not loaded with a magazine, leading Benjamin to assume it was safe. In a fateful moment, he began a mock "clearing" of the house, a procedure reminiscent of his military training. Tragically, there was a round in the chamber, and when he pulled the trigger, the bullet struck Samantha in the chest.

Benjamin's immediate response was to administer life-saving measures to his sister, but the situation was dire. Chelsea Gray, a friend at the scene, recounted the frantic efforts to save Samantha as she dialed 9-1-1. Despite their attempts and the swift arrival of police and an ambulance, Samantha was pronounced dead at Shannon Hospital.

This incident is a stark reminder of the critical importance of firearms safety and the devastating consequences of even a moment's carelessness. Samantha's death is not only a loss to her family — her two children — but also a profound tragedy for the San Angelo community.

As the city mourns Samantha Ibarra, discussions about gun safety and responsible handling are likely to be at the forefront, in hopes of preventing such heartbreaking accidents in the future.

Following an interview with police, Benjamin was booked into the Tom Green County Detention Center on the charge of manslaughter. He was released from jail at 12:13 p.m. Tuesday afternoon on a $100,000 bond, according to jail records.

Manslaughter in Texas is a second degree felony. This charge will typically carry a sentence of between two and twenty years in prison and/or a fine of no more than $10,000.

The police affidavit said that Benjamin cried uncontrollably when trying to save his sister's life.