Monica Rubio, 29, was shot and killed on March 3, 2022, in the 1900 block of 22nd Street in the Heart of Lubbock neighborhood. She was taken to Covenant Medical Center and pronounced dead on arrival. Monica was the mother of six children; family members described her as loving and humble and said her personality changed after she met her boyfriend.

Isaiah Montelongo, Monica’s boyfriend, was arrested in connection with her death and charged with murder. Investigators reported finding a bullet with hairs lodged into Montelongo’s pillow and blood evidence at the scene that did not match his initial account that an unknown man had shot Monica. Surveillance footage also did not support his claim of a separate shooter. The medical examiner noted a close-range gunshot wound to the mouth area.

Monica’s death focused attention on domestic abuse and its consequences for families. If anyone knew Monica, her movements the day of March 3, 2022, or has information about the case, please come forward.