Jeffrey Arriola Killed in Fatal Shooting by Hunter Gersback on Allentown Backroad in Angelina County, Texas

ALLENTOWN, TX — A tranquil rural road in Angelina County became the site of a tragic incident on Tuesday evening, May 7, 2025, resulting in the death of Jeffrey Arriola. Hunter Gersback, a resident of Lufkin, Texas, has been arrested in connection with the shooting. The altercation, which began as a verbal dispute, escalated into violence, leaving the community in shock and a family mourning their loss.

Incident Overview:

According to a statement from Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman, deputies responded to reports of a shooting on a secluded stretch of road near Allentown on the evening of May 7, 2025. Upon arrival, they discovered Jeffrey Arriola, 35, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to provide medical assistance, Arriola was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators determined that the incident began with a verbal altercation between Arriola and Gersback. The nature of their dispute remains under investigation, but it quickly escalated, leading to Gersback allegedly firing a weapon at Arriola. Gersback fled the scene but was apprehended by law enforcement officers a short time later.

Suspect Background:

Hunter Gersback, 28, is a resident of Lufkin, Texas. He was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held at the Angelina County Jail on charges of murder. His bond has been set at $500,000. Gersback has no prior criminal history in Angelina County.

Victim Profile:

Jeffrey Arriola was a 35-year-old resident of Angelina County. He was known in the community for his work as a photographer and his involvement in local events. Arriola leaves behind a family who is devastated by his untimely death. A memorial service is being planned, and his family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

Community Reaction:

The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Allentown and Lufkin communities. Residents describe the area as peaceful and tight-knit, making the incident all the more unsettling. Local leaders have expressed their condolences to the Arriola family and have pledged support to the community as they navigate this tragic event.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings:

The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Sheriff Tom Selman has assured the public that all leads are being pursued and that the department is committed to uncovering the full details of the incident.

Hunter Gersback is scheduled to appear in court next week for a preliminary hearing. If convicted of murder, he faces a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison. The legal proceedings are expected to draw significant attention from the local community and beyond.

Conclusion:

The shooting death of Jeffrey Arriola has left a deep scar on the Allentown and Lufkin communities. As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, residents are left grappling with the loss of a life taken too soon. The case serves as a somber reminder of the potential consequences of conflicts escalating into violence.

Note: This article is based on information available as of May 9, 2025. Details may change as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.