Deadly Dispute on Texas Backroad: Lufkin Man Hunter Gersback Arrested in Shooting Death of Jeffrey Arriola
ALLENTOWN, TX — A quiet rural road in Angelina County turned into the scene of a deadly encounter this week, as authorities have confirmed the arrest of Hunter Gersback, a resident of Lufkin, Texas, in connection with the shooting death of Jeffrey Arriola. The tragic incident, which began as a verbal altercation, escalated into violence, leaving the community stunned and a family grieving.
According to a statement released by Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman, deputies responded to reports of a shooting on a secluded stretch of road near Allentown on the evening of Tuesday, May 7, 2025. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they discovered 36-year-old Jeffrey Arriola suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts, Arriola was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Witness statements and preliminary evidence gathered during the initial phase of the investigation point to a dispute that escalated rapidly. Officials said Arriola and Gersback were involved in a verbal confrontation that quickly turned deadly. The nature of their dispute has not been fully disclosed, but investigators believe the altercation may have stemmed from a personal or ongoing disagreement.
Following a review of physical evidence and witness interviews, authorities identified 30-year-old Hunter Gersback as the primary suspect. He was taken into custody without incident later that evening at his residence in Lufkin, approximately 15 miles from the scene of the shooting. Gersback is now facing charges of first-degree murder, and he is being held at the Angelina County Jail pending arraignment.
Sheriff Selman addressed the public in a brief statement Wednesday morning:
“This was a senseless act of violence that ended the life of a man far too soon. Our deputies and investigators worked swiftly to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the community. We are committed to pursuing justice for the Arriola family.”
The sheriff’s office has not released further details regarding the type of weapon used or whether Gersback legally possessed it. They are also investigating whether any prior history or threats existed between the two men.
News of the fatal shooting has spread rapidly throughout Angelina County and the surrounding communities, leaving many shocked that such a deadly confrontation could occur on a quiet, rural road where violent crime is rare. Friends of the victim, Jeffrey Arriola, have taken to social media to express grief and disbelief, describing him as “hardworking,” “kind-hearted,” and “a man who didn’t deserve to die this way.”
A close friend of the Arriola family, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said:
“Jeffrey was just trying to live his life. He didn’t go looking for trouble. We’re all in shock right now, trying to make sense of something that just feels impossible to understand.”
The case is now being handled by the Angelina County District Attorney’s Office, which has confirmed that it will pursue full prosecution under Texas criminal statutes. If convicted of first-degree murder, Gersback could face a life sentence or even the death penalty, depending on the outcome of the trial and any aggravating factors.
Meanwhile, the Arriola family is preparing funeral arrangements for Jeffrey and has asked the public for privacy as they mourn. A memorial fund may be established in the coming days to assist with burial costs and support for the victim’s loved ones.
This investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with additional information related to the case to contact the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office at (936) 634-3332 or submit tips anonymously through the local Crime Stoppers line.
As the Allentown community processes this tragic loss, questions linger over how a dispute ended in such irreversible violence—and whether anything could have prevented the confrontation from turning fatal.