By Abner Sosa
Click here for updates on this story
FAYETTEVILLE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — Jurors in the capital murder trial of Gilberto Gordillo watched video of a deadly shooting and heard the defendant testify Wednesday that he acted in self-defense, as both sides presented key evidence before the case moves closer to its conclusion.
Gordillo, 22, is charged with one count of capital murder and four counts of attempted capital murder in connection with a Feb. 15, 2024 shooting near Lake Fayetteville that left Christian Rodriguez dead. Prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty.
The state called its final witness Wednesday, a Fayetteville Police Detective who testified he extracted data from multiple devices tied to the investigation, including a cellphone video recorded by the victim during the incident.
Jurors were shown that video in court. It appeared to show two groups meeting at the gravel parking lot near Lake Fayetteville, with an argument escalating before gunfire erupted. At one point, Rodriguez is seen holding what appeared to be a handgun. Later, he can be heard shouting toward Gordillo near Gordillo’s vehicle, without a weapon visible. The recording continues after Rodriguez places the phone in his pocket, capturing audio of shouting, movement and multiple gunshots.
The video later showed the phone falling to the ground as Rodriguez was shot. Audio captured his friends approaching and finding him. The recording ended shortly after.
Jurors also saw surveillance and doorbell camera footage from nearby homes, capturing vehicles fleeing the area and the sound of gunfire. One video showed the moment the victim was shot and fell from the vehicle he was on.
The detective testified investigators also recovered internet searches from Gordillo’s phone, including queries for news about the shooting, local police information, warrant searches, jail intake records and the cost of 5.56 ammunition. Photos and videos shown in court depicted Gordillo with an assault-style rifle, which investigators said they were unable to locate despite searching multiple locations.
During cross-examination, the detective testified that at least seven firearms were involved in the incident and confirmed the crime scene was secured overnight.
After the state rested its case, the defense asked the judge to dismiss the charges, arguing prosecutors had not proven their case. The judge denied that request.
Gordillo then took the stand in his own defense, telling jurors he acted out of fear for his life.
He testified he moved to Springdale when he was about 1 year old and was 19 at the time of the shooting. On the stand, Gordillo spent significant time walking jurors through his background, describing his service in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. He said he chose the Marines because of its higher standards and opted for a reserve contract so he could remain close to his family, especially his mother.
Gordillo testified he went through boot camp and later a 28-day Marine combat training, where he said he learned firearms safety, responsibility and the difference between “accurate fire” and “cover fire.” He told jurors he was later assigned as an ammunition technician with Combat Logistics Battalion 453. He also spoke about his interest in becoming more involved in the Marines, including wanting to serve full-time and volunteering to gain experience as a recruiter, but said he was unable to advance due to rank requirements.
Turning to the day of the shooting, Feb. 15, 2024, Gordillo said he first went to the gym, where he saw a group of men he recognized from previous visits. He said he approached one of them, identified as Christian Ramirez, to talk with him about potentially joining the Marines.
According to Gordillo, he was told the group planned to go watch a fight later that day. He said Ramirez asked for a ride, and he agreed, telling jurors he wanted to continue the conversation about the Marines and did not expect to be involved in any confrontation.
Gordillo testified that before heading out, he stopped at his home to pack an overnight bag because he planned to stay with his girlfriend later that night. He said after picking Ramirez up, they received a message directing them to meet at a Casey’s General Store before eventually heading to Lake Fayetteville.
He told jurors he parked in a gravel lot near the trail area, where another group of people approached his vehicle. Gordillo testified that as the group got closer, he felt intimidated by their gestures and behavior, prompting him to move across the seat to the passenger side of his car and grab a rifle from the back seat.
He said the situation escalated quickly, and when gunfire started from the other group, he fired back.
“I felt intimidated,” Gordillo said. “I genuinely was fearing for my life.”
Gordillo told jurors he left the scene and went to his girlfriend’s apartment, where he became sick and later contacted a friend. He acknowledged driving past Rodriguez’s body as he left.
“I think about that young man every day,” Gordillo said. “I had no animosity toward that kid.”
During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned why he did not render aid despite his military training. Gordillo responded that he was in shock and focused on leaving the scene.
After the defense rested its case, attorneys again asked the judge to dismiss the charges, but the judge denied the request.
Court recessed for the day and is scheduled to resume Thursday morning.
Throughout the day Tuesday, jurors were shown crime scene photos taken in a gravel lot near the Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center. Investigators testified that multiple 5.56 and .45 caliber shell casings were recovered, along with several live rounds. Detectives also described using trajectory rods at the scene to determine the path of bullets, which struck several vehicles, causing visible damage including bullet holes and shattered glass.
Additional photos presented in court showed bloodstains at the scene, as well as images taken when Gordillo was arrested. Investigators testified that firearms and ammunition were found inside Gordillo’s vehicle, noting there was no visible damage to the car.
An Arkansas State Crime Lab medical examiner testified that the victim, Christian Rodriguez, died from a gunshot wound to the head. Jurors were shown autopsy photos during that testimony. Members of Rodriguez’s family were present in the courtroom and appeared quietly emotional.
The state also called multiple witnesses, including a firearms and toolmarks examiner, law enforcement officers and detectives, and records custodians from Google and Snapchat.
One of the most notable witnesses was Pablo Garcia, who is also facing charges in connection with the case, including hindering apprehension and tampering with evidence. Garcia testified that he has known Gordillo since seventh grade and said Gordillo contacted him the night of the shooting. Garcia told jurors Gordillo attempted to give him three guns, but he only took one to hold for him. He described Gordillo as being in a state of shock that night and said he had never seen him like that before.
Garcia testified that he had not been promised anything by prosecutors in exchange for his testimony.
During proceedings, the defense confirmed to 40/29 News that Gordillo is claiming justification, arguing he acted in self-defense.
Court records show prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, meaning Gordillo would face life in prison without parole if convicted of capital murder.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
