Police in Canon City, Colorado are investigating a domestic violence dispute that turned deadly, resulting in the shooting death of a former guard at a maximum security federal prison who, among ten other guards, once stood accused of organizing attacks on inmates.
According to the Fremont County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to 901 Kentucky Avenue just before 10:00 Monday night to investigate a domestic disturbance report. When a patrol unit arrived on the scene, deputies discovered Robin Carole Gall, 38, and her three daughters crying on the doorstep. Paramedics were already on the scene and were inside the home attempting to save Gall's husband, Brent Thomas Gall, 40, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. Unfortunately, Brent's injuries proved to be fatal, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to the police affidavit, Brent and Robin had spent the preceding three hours out on the town hopping from bar to bar. During one stop, Brent allegedly became angry when a male customer, identified by police as "Big Ben," gave Robin a hug. Once back home, Brent allegedly started a fight with Robin about the incident and also because he did not have clean clothes to wear to work. It was then, according to the affidavit, that Brent attacked Robin and kicked her. In response, Robin fought back and kicked him in the groin before allegedly grabbing a 45 caliber pistol and shooting him at point blank range in the chest.
"They're great. I've never seen them argue. Their kids are great. They're just an excellent family," neighbor Brandon Nish told KKTV.com.
Monday was not the first time Brent's name has made headlines. In 2003, while working as a guard at the ADX Maximum Security Facility, he stood accused of being a part of "The Cowboys," a group of correctional officers who allegedly beat up federal inmates. Brent and six other guards were ultimately acquitted, but the remaining three guards were found guilty.
According to friends, Brent continued to work at the prison as a computer programmer and recently recorded an album with his band, Side Project.
Robin worked as a barmaid at the Griffin Sports Bar and Grill, until last week, when friends say her husband asked her to quit her job.
"Robin is an angel. I've personally seen Brent get mouthy, should I say, when he's had too much to drink," Robin's former boss, Jeffrey Mintz, told KOAA.com.
Both Brent and Robin have profiles at the popular social networking Web site MySpace.com, but neither seem to suggest that there was any turbulence in their marriage. Brett's own profile provided few details other than some information on his band and Internet music station, CAYA Radio; however, Robin's profile was more descriptive and gives information about her life and interests. In the "About Me" section, she wrote:
"I'm just your typical stay at home mom and housewife. I like to crochet a lot, and I volunteer for the Warm the World Foundation. We make blankets for our troops and orphaned children. I love to ride motorcycles. I just got my license this past summer. I'm a member of ABATE (a brotherhood active in education) of Colorado. We fight for motorcyclists' rights. I was just voted in as the secretary for Dist. 9 (Canon City Colorado). I have a profound respect for anyone in the military. My husband and I met in Yokosuka Japan when we were both enlisted in the Navy during the Persian Gulf War. We have three beautiful daughters…"
Under the heading "Heroes," she wrote, "My wonderful husband Brent."
According to Nan Sullivan, founder of Warm the World, Robin was an active participant in the group but had limited contact with the other members because Brent would not let her hang out with them.
"She seemed very controlled by him," Nan told Denverpost.com. "She wouldn't do anything without the approval of her husband."
Robin is being held on a $50,000 bond for investigation of second-degree murder. According to Sergeant Robert Dudd, the investigation is still ongoing.
"We want to be able to provide as much information, as complete of facts as possible, to the district attorney's office," Dudd told KOAA.com, adding, "Because ultimately it's their decision as far as the charging process."
The Galls' three children are staying with their grandparents.