The community of San Carlos is mourning the tragic loss of Tashon Gambler, a 20-year-old whose life was cut short in a fatal shooting that has deeply shaken the area. Family members, friends, and residents are grieving the devastating loss while seeking comfort and answers after the heartbreaking incident. Authorities have identified Brandon Hinton, 24, as the suspect following an investigation into the shooting.
According to the San Carlos Apache Police Department, officers responded to reports of a shooting on March 6, 2026, in the Bylas District. When authorities arrived, Gambler had already been transported to a nearby EMS Sub-Station in an effort to receive emergency medical care. The situation prompted an immediate response from medical staff and law enforcement officials.
Medical personnel from the San Carlos Apache Health Care Center worked to provide lifesaving treatment, but Gambler was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. The tragic news spread quickly through the community, leaving loved ones devastated by the sudden loss of a young life filled with potential and promise.
Investigators later determined that the shooting occurred near the Bylas Fitness Center. After the incident, efforts were made to quickly transport Gambler for medical care, but the injuries he sustained proved to be fatal. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division began examining the scene and gathering information to understand what led to the deadly confrontation.
Federal agencies also assisted with the investigation, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The FBI Evidence Response Team helped process the scene and collect evidence as investigators worked to piece together the events surrounding the shooting.
Authorities later located Hinton along U.S. Highway 70, where he was taken into custody without incident. Officials reported that he was found in possession of a handgun at the time of his arrest. As the investigation continues, the San Carlos community is focusing on remembering the life of Tashon Gambler—a young man whose passing has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
