Fayetteville, Arkansas – New details have emerged regarding the shooting incident that took place at Lake Fayetteville on February 15, resulting in one fatality and four individuals sustaining injuries. Gilberto Gordillo, a resident of Springdale, was apprehended in connection to the incident and has been charged with one count of capital murder and four counts of attempted murder. He is currently being held at the Washington County Jail since February 21.
Following reports of a shooting, officers from the Fayetteville Police Department were dispatched to the Lake Fayetteville Environmental Studies Center after 11 p.m. on the night of February 15th. Upon their arrival, they discovered the lifeless body of 18-year-old Christian Alexander Rodriguez-Barroso and four others who had been wounded by gunshot.
Authorities conducted an investigation using video footage of the incident which revealed that a large crowd had assembled at the lake for an altercation. The situation escalated as gunfire erupted, prompting individuals to flee towards their vehicles. Rodriguez-Barroso attempted to escape by jumping into the bed of a truck as he was chased and shot at by another individual involved in the altercation.
Witnesses reported seeing Gordillo carrying an “AR-15 style rifle” prior to the shooting. Some individuals claimed to have seen him using the firearm to shoot at vehicles leaving the scene. The individuals involved in the incident were all in the age range of 18 to 20 years, according to FPD Sgt. Stephen Mauk.
Gordillo allegedly confessed to a witness that he believed he had caused harm to someone and experienced distress in the days following the tragic event. Sgt. Mauk emphasized that while such incidents are unfortunate, the community remains predominantly safe. Updates on this ongoing investigation will be provided as new information emerges.