Where to Find Higinio Gonzalez Now? Insights as Netflix Releases I Am a Killer

The third episode of Season 5 of Netflix’s I Am a Killer highlights the tragic story of Higinio Gonzalez, who, at just 16 years old, fatally shot 27-year-old Eric Pavilionis during a robbery attempt at a convenience store in 1996. The untimely death of Eric left a profound impact on his family, which includes his wife Fran and four daughters, who continue to mourn his loss.

As per prison records, Higinio Gonzalez is currently serving a life sentence at the Montana State Prison. His incarceration began in 1997, meaning he has now spent over 27 years behind bars.

Life Sentence for Higinio Gonzalez Following 1997 Conviction

At the age of 16, Gonzalez became embroiled in drug cartel activities, following the paths set by his father and older brother. He admitted on I Am a Killer that he had been dealing meth to a pair of young women. One night, these women sought his help, expressing a desire to flee the area due to one of the girls facing domestic abuse from her father.

In a misguided effort to assist them, Higinio made the decision to rob a convenience store. The money he would acquire was intended to help the girls escape to a safer environment. On April 22, 1996, he and the girls arrived at the targeted store. According to Gonzalez, one of the girls handed him an outdated Ruger 22 pistol.

On the show, Higinio recounted that he examined the gun and found it to be unloaded. His intention was to intimidate the cashier, take the cash, and leave quickly.

On that fateful day, the cashier was Eric Pavilionis, 27. Gonzalez entered the store, selected a Butterfinger candy bar, and paid for it before revealing the weapon and demanding money from Eric.

Higinio then instructed Eric to open the safe, to which Eric replied he did not possess the keys. Frustrated by Eric’s lack of cooperation, Gonzalez recounted in I Am a Killer:

“I looked at the gun. You know, I went to, like, scare him, like I was gonna pull the trigger, and I remember it going off. And I just ran. .”

As a result of the gunshot, Eric Pavilionis lost his life, while Higinio fled with a mere $78 and the candy bar he had purchased.

Arrest and Trial

The day after Eric Pavilionis was murdered, Higinio was arrested at his residence. He promptly confessed to the crime once in custody and subsequently faced a murder trial, for which he was still a minor at 16 years old. On January 10, 1997, he was sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder and will be eligible for parole in 2027.

Regarding the possibility of his parole, Eric Pavilionis’s widow shared her thoughts with the audience of I Am a Killer:

“When I think about Higinio Gonzalez being paroled, I feel that’s up to the judicial system to decide. And if he goes up for parole, I do believe myself and my children will attend just to hear what he has to say.”

To explore more details surrounding this case, be sure to watch Season 5, Episode 3 of I Am a Killer, now available on Netflix.

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