Texas Rangers Called To Assist In Allentown Shooting Case

(Lufkin) On Wednesday, May 7th, 2025, at 11:15 PM Philip Hunter Gersbach, 26, allegedly shot Jeffery Arriola in Allentown, outside of Lufkin. He was arrested and charged with murder.

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There was some outrage in local social media posts about the fact that Gersbach was released the next day after posting a $15,000 bond. On Friday, May 16, 2025, Arriola's family laid him to rest at 10 am at Moral Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.

This small community has begun to heal, but there is still mistrust. The Angelina County Sheriff's Office is hoping to put their fears to rest.

Texas Rangers Called Out To Investigate Shooting In Lufkin

Now, according to the Lufkin Daily News, the Texas Rangers have gotten involved in the investigation. They cover many violent crimes and handle public corruption cases in the state of Texas.

Sheriff Tom Selman has called in the Texas Rangers on the case because of the claim of self-defense by Arriola. He wants the community to be assured that they are conducting an unbiased investigation.

First Read: New Details In Allentown Shooting Come Out 

Family members of the deceased and the accused can rest easy now that they are on the case. They have worked with the Angelina County Sheriff's Office many times in the past.

Case Will Go To Grand Jury Very Quickly In Angelina County

The Sheriff has made these moves to get this case to a grand jury as quickly as possible.

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