A 68-year-old in Alabama was stabbed to death New Year’s Eve, and family members mourned the devoted family man and military veteran.
Earnest Christion Jr., 68, was killed Tuesday in a stabbing attack at a home in Birmingham to a release from the Birmingham Police Department.
Officers arrived at the Birmingham home after a 911 call around 7 p.m. They found Christion “unresponsive, suffering from what our officers determined was a stab wound,” police said.
The U.S. military veteran was transported to a local hospital, where he died of his injuriesthe police said.
Police investigated the stabbing of 68-year-old Earnest Christion Jr. on December 31. (Google Maps)
After his death, authorities launched a murder investigation, offering cash rewards of up to $5,000 for tips.
On Saturday, detectives issued arrest warrants for two suspects in Christiaan’s death after receiving tips from the community.
Police identified 60-year-old Zingy Gamble and her son, 40-year-old La Verne Gamble, as suspects.
Police identified 60-year-old Zingy Gamble as one of the suspects. (Birmingham Police Department)
Authorities said Zingy Gamble was in a relationship with Christon at the time of the stabbing. Police said they believe Zingy Gamble stabbed Christion over a dispute over money.
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Authorities said the mother and son had been arrested and were in custody Jefferson County Jail. Zingy Gamble was booked without bond and La Verne Gamble was arrested for murder and booked on a $15,000 bond.
Police have identified 40-year-old La Verne Gamble as one of the suspects in the stabbing death of Earnest Christion Jr. (Birmingham Police Department)
Christion, nicknamed “Rickey,” was remembered as a “beacon of joy and love” in a statement to AL.com.
“Rickey was more than just a veteran; he was a beacon of joy and love,” his family’s statement said.
“His sense of humor was infectious and his ability to keep people laughing, even in difficult times, will always be remembered,” the family added. “Whether it was a funny joke, a light-hearted comment or his unwavering positivity, Rickey had a special gift for making those around him feel good.”
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The family said Christie was a family man through and through.
“His family was the center of his world and he cherished every moment he spent with them,” they said. ‘His love for his children was unconditional, and he was extremely proud of that a devoted father.”
