Tragedy in Garber: Two Juvenile Boys Arrested After Fatal Stabbing of 34-Year-Old Ditter Gonzalez Over Cell Phone Dispute
GARBER, OK – June 9, 2025 — A tragic and deeply disturbing incident has left the tight-knit community of Garber, Oklahoma, in shock after two juvenile brothers—just 13 and 15 years old—were taken into custody for their alleged roles in the brutal stabbing and killing of 34-year-old Ditter Gonzalez over the weekend.
According to authorities, the confrontation began as a domestic conflict over a cell phone. The children’s mother, whose name has not been released, reportedly confiscated the phone from her 13-year-old son due to his ongoing behavioral issues. As tensions in the home escalated, she reached out to Ditter Gonzalez, a family acquaintance and someone she believed could intervene and help mediate the situation.
However, what followed turned shockingly violent.
When Gonzalez arrived at the family’s home, located in the small rural town of Garber, the encounter quickly escalated into a deadly altercation. Police say the two boys—armed with knives—attacked and stabbed Gonzalez multiple times. First responders rushed to the scene, but Gonzalez was pronounced dead shortly after due to the severity of his injuries.
Juveniles in Custody
Both boys were immediately taken into custody following the attack. The 13-year-old has been arrested on complaints of first-degree murder, while the 15-year-old faces charges of manslaughter and domestic assault and battery. The boys are currently being held in a juvenile detention facility, pending formal charges and court proceedings.
Because of their ages, their identities have not been released to the public. However, the heinous nature of the crime has drawn widespread attention and raised difficult questions about juvenile violence, parental involvement, and the legal accountability of minors.
Community in Mourning
The victim, Ditter Gonzalez, was well known and respected in the Garber area. Neighbors described him as kind-hearted, always willing to help others, and someone who often stepped in when families were in crisis. That compassion ultimately led him into the situation that ended his life.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said a longtime friend of Gonzalez. “He was just trying to help. That’s the kind of person Ditter was. If someone needed him, he was there.”
The community has begun organizing a memorial vigil to honor his life and contributions, while also grappling with the grief and disbelief that two children could allegedly commit such an act.
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the circumstances that led to the deadly altercation. While early reports suggest the violence stemmed from a dispute about a confiscated cell phone, investigators are working to determine whether there were prior incidents of violence, abuse, or mental health concerns within the household that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.
Authorities have also emphasized that more charges could be filed as the case develops. Investigators are examining potential negligence, possible weapons access, and family dynamics that may have played a role in the escalating situation.
“We are still gathering all the facts,” said a spokesperson for the local sheriff’s department. “This is a tragic event, and we want to ensure a full and fair investigation that considers every angle.”
Juvenile Justice in the Spotlight
The case is reigniting debate in Oklahoma and across the nation over how violent crimes committed by juveniles should be handled in the criminal justice system. Legal experts note that the charges of first-degree murder and manslaughter could potentially lead to these juveniles being tried as adults—though that decision will rest with prosecutors and a judge following an initial hearing.
In Oklahoma, juveniles as young as 13 can be tried as adults for certain serious offenses, including homicide, under the Youthful Offender Act. That determination will likely depend on the nature of the crime, the background of the accused, and the recommendation of legal counsel and mental health evaluations.
A Community Changed
The incident has shaken Garber, a small town that rarely sees violent crime, let alone a homicide involving such young suspects. School officials and local churches are offering grief counseling, not only for Gonzalez’s family and friends but also for classmates and community members struggling to comprehend the tragedy.
This heartbreaking event is a painful reminder of the challenges facing families, schools, and communities in addressing youth behavior, mental health, and domestic conflict before they spiral into irreversible violence.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns, the legacy of Ditter Gonzalez will be remembered not for how he died, but for the selflessness he showed in his final moments, trying to help a family in need.