The third episode of I Am a Killer season 5 on Netflix revisits the 1996 slaying of Eric Pavilionis. The 27-year-old tragically lost his life when Higinio Gonzalez shot him at his workplace. Eric’s untimely demise left behind a grieving wife and four daughters, a loss that continues to affect them profoundly.
Titled “Lives Lost,”this episode features interviews with the perpetrator, family members of Eric, and others connected to the case.
Details of Eric Pavilionis’ murder
On the evening of April 22, 1996, Eric was murdered while on duty at a convenience store. He worked there part-time to help support his family in addition to his full-time job.
As revealed in I Am a Killer,
‘He was shot through the chest and died at the scene.’
When authorities arrived, they found Eric lifeless on the floor, covered in blood, while the assailant had escaped. Fortunately, security camera footage of the incident was recovered, providing crucial evidence for the investigation.
Who was responsible for Eric Pavilionis’ death?
It was 16-year-old Higinio Gonzalez who took Eric Pavilionis’ life in 1996. He entered the convenience store with the intent to rob it and was armed with a handgun he mistakenly believed was unloaded.
During the robbery, Eric, who was working as the night cashier, complied and handed over all the money. After taking the cash, Gonzalez demanded access to the safe, but Eric did not possess the keys. Frustrated, Higinio shot Eric and fled the scene.
In his interview for I Am A Killer, Higinio claims the shooting was accidental; he believed he was merely trying to intimidate Eric and never intended to take his life.
On April 23, 1996, Higinio Gonzalez was apprehended. Following his confession, the case proceeded to trial. On January 10, 1997, he received a life sentence with eligibility for parole in 2027.
Gonzalez characterized the incident as either a tragic accident or a failed robbery attempt. In contrast, Joe Coble, the Deputy Yellowstone County attorney who prosecuted Gonzalez, believes the shooting was deliberate. He asserts that the security footage paints a different story, indicating an intention to kill. Joe Coble remarked:
“Clearly, he put the bullet in the gun and described having one bullet. He pulls the trigger knowing that there’s a bullet in that gun. It appears as though he is just trying to distance himself from his murder. ..”
To delve deeper into this case, be sure to check out season 5, episode 3 of I Am A Killer, titled “Lives Lost,”available now on Netflix.
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