Daughter’s Relationship Results in Family Being Taken Hostage, Suspected Murder of Father

IRVINE, CA – A 24 year old man, reportedly from Texas, was taken into custody early Saturday morning after he broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend’s family, held them hostage and ended up shooting three of them, including the father, De Ngoc Le, 60, who died at the scene.

Alwyn Gibson II, 24, of Fairfield, Texas, was arrested around 2:10 a.m. Saturday morning (Feb. 21) following a tense stand off that started just before 9 p.m. Friday. Police responded to the scene in the 100 block of Rainstar in Irvine believing initially that it was a residential robbery. However, upon arrival, they were able to speak with one of Le’s sons who had been able to escape the home. The son clarified his family’s involvement in the dire hostage situation.

Police evacuated several surrounding homes and the SWAT team responded along with the Crisis Negotiation Team who was able to establish phone contact with Gibson. Gibson also reportedly allowed the hostage family members to speak with the police negotiators.

A surrender was negotiated and Gibson emerged from the home at about 2:10 a.m., followed by Le’s wife who had suffered a gunshot wound to her arm. Inside, police found the deceased body of Mr. Le as well as his son, who had also been shot but survived and was transported to an area hospital in stable but serious condition.

Police also found a small caliber weapon inside the home which police suspect was used in the assault. Victims reported that the suspect also placed a makeshift silencer on the firearm to muffle its sound when fired.

According to police, Gibson was believed to be distraught over “relationship issues” which allegedly prompted the home invasion. The daughter with whom Gibson had a relationship does not live at the residence and was not there during the episode. The family had also reportedly suffered “prior episodes” with him.

While Gibson lives in Texas, he has family in California and the car he was apparently driving was registered under his name in California.

According to police, he has two prior arrests: One for DUI and another for fighting outside Orange County.

Neighbors were allowed to return to their homes shortly after Gibson was arrested and the scene cleared. Police also said they planned to send crisis counselors to the neighborhood.