On New Year's Eve, a 68-year-old veteran and devoted father was tragically stabbed to death by police.

A mother and son were taken into custody by Alabama authorities as suspects in a fatal stabbing.

On New Year's Eve, a 68-year-old veteran and devoted father was tragically stabbed to death by police.
On New Year's Eve, a 68-year-old veteran and devoted father was tragically stabbed to death by police.

On New Year's Eve, a 68-year-old man in Alabama was fatally stabbed, leaving his family in mourning for the devoted husband, father, and military veteran he was.

On Tuesday, a 68-year-old man named Earnest Christion Jr. was fatally stabbed at a residence in Birmingham, as stated in a release from the local police department.

At approximately 7 p.m., officers arrived at the Birmingham residence in response to a 911 call. Upon arrival, they discovered Christion in an unresponsive state, suffering from what appeared to be a stab wound, according to police.

A U.S. military veteran was taken to a nearby hospital and passed away due to his wounds, according to police.

Birmingham Police car
Police investigated the stabbing of 68-year-old Earnest Christion Jr. Dec. 31. (Google Maps)

Following his demise, an investigation into his murder was initiated, with rewards of up to $5,000 available for information.

Two suspects were arrested on Saturday for Christion's death, following community tips.

Zingy Gamble, a 60-year-old woman, and her son La Verne Gamble, a 40-year-old man, were identified by police as suspects.

Zingy Gamble
Police identified 60-year-old Zingy Gamble as one of the suspects.  (Birmingham Police Department)

Christon was reportedly dating Zingy Gamble at the time of the stabbing, according to authorities. Police suspect that the stabbing was a result of a disagreement over money, they said.

The mother and son were arrested and are currently in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail. Zingy Gamble was booked without bail, while La Verne Gamble was arrested for murder and is being held on a $15,000 bond.

La Verne Gamble
Police identified 40-year-old La Verne Gamble as one of the suspects in the stabbing death of Earnest Christion Jr. (Birmingham Police Department)

Rickey, also known as Christion, was fondly remembered as a "source of happiness and affection" in a tribute to AL.com.

"Rickey was not just a veteran, but a source of happiness and affection, as his family attested," the statement read.

"Rickey's infectious sense of humor and ability to keep people smiling during difficult times will always be remembered by his family."

The family said Christion was a family man to his core.

"His family was the center of his world, and he cherished each and every moment spent with them," they said. "His love for his children was unconditional, and he took immense pride in being a devoted father."

by Sarah Rumpf-Whitten

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