A 60-year-old Birmingham woman, Zingy Gamble, has been charged with murder in the New Year’s Eve stabbing death of her 68-year-old boyfriend, Ernest Paul “Rickey” Christion Jr., a U.S. Army veteran. Birmingham police announced the charges on Saturday, also revealing that Gamble’s 40-year-old son, La Verne Gamble, faces a charge of first-degree hindering prosecution.
According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald, investigators believe the stabbing stemmed from a dispute over money. Both suspects were booked into the Jefferson County Jail on Saturday. La Verne Gamble’s bond was set at $15,000, while his mother is being held without bond.
The incident unfolded Tuesday evening just after 7 p.m. West Precinct officers responded to a house in the 2500 block of 15th Street in Ensley, where they found Christion unresponsive. He was transported to UAB Hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, but was pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m. Tragically, Christion’s death marked Birmingham’s final homicide of 2024, a year that saw a record number of violent deaths in the city.
Christion’s family remembered him fondly in a statement to AL.com, describing him as “a beacon of joy and love.” They highlighted his infectious laughter, humor, and unwavering positivity, emphasizing his ability to bring light to even the most difficult situations. His kindness and genuine care touched the lives of everyone he knew, leaving a lasting legacy beyond his military service.