05/24/2026
Media Release
5/23/2026
On the 22nd of May 2026 at approximately 11:05 PM, Big Spring Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Oriole Street in reference to shots being fired.
Big Spring Police Department and Howard County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived on scene. Upon arrival, officers observed two males laying in the front yard in the 1600 Block of Oriole identified as Willis J. Duval, B/M, 44 years of age, and Marcus D. Pena, B/M, 23 years of age. Big Spring Fire Department and Allegiance EMS arrived on scene and attempted life saving measures which were not successful. Big Spring Police Department Officers discovered that both Willis and Pena had suffered from gunshot wounds and were deceased.
The Big Spring Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, Identification personnel, and Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers were notified to respond and assist with this investigation. The Texas Rangers and Detectives immediately began interviewing individuals and following up on leads. Willis and Pena were later pronounced deceased by Justice of the Peace Averette.
As a result of the investigation and evidence obtained, it was determined that probable cause existed for the charge of Capital Murder. Detectives and Texas Rangers subsequently obtained a Capital Murder arrest warrant for Ruben A. Gonzales, W/M, 22 years of age. Gonzales was later arrested on the morning of 5/23/2026 at approximately 9:30 am in the 1600 Block of Canary Street and booked into the Howard County Detention Center for the offense of Capital Murder.
This investigation is still ongoing and there is no further information available at this time.
Chief of Police, Chad Williams
Administrative Lieutenant, Amie Taft