The trial for Harold Thompson, a 23-year-old man accused of murdering his girlfriend, Gabriella Gonzalez, has started in Dallas County.
The case, which has now gathered worldwide attention, revolves around the tragic events that took place in May of 2023 when Gonzalez, 26, was shot and killed by Thompson.
The couple had allegedly been together for only four months; however, during that time, Gonzalez became pregnant.
According to prosecutors, she had recently traveled to Colorado to get an abortion, a decision Thompson reportedly did not support. Prosecutors claim that Thompson was the father of the unborn child and had opposed the decision staunchly, with the dispute over the pregnancy eventually escalating into the shooting that took Gonzalez’s life, as previously covered by The Dallas Express.
According to a report from NBC DFW, police said the couple were seen on surveillance cameras arguing and physically fighting before Gonzalez was choked and shot in the head by Thompson. Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to the call, but despite efforts to revive Gonzalez, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Court records further reveal that the couple had been going through ongoing problems, including a previous domestic violence felony case in which Thompson was arrested for assaulting Gonzalez.
As testimony continues, the courtroom is expected to hear more details about the nature of the couple’s relationship, the arguments leading up to the murder, and the details surrounding the shooting. Thompson is facing a variety of felony charges, including murder, for the death of Gonzalez.
Over the past few years, there has been a growing focus on the Dallas Police Department’s efforts and abilities to lower violent crime across the City.
As previously reported by DX, as of August of last year, the homicide rate had surged south of Downtown Dallas, yet the overall citywide crime figures showed a decline. While homicides had decreased by 21.3% year-over-year as of August 4, the total number of murders still reached 122, according to the City of Dallas crime analytics dashboard.