Murder trial for Lubbock man accused of killing girlfriend begins with jury selection

LUBBOCK, Texas — The trial for Isaiah Montelongo, 28, who was accused of murdering his girlfriend, Monica Rubio , 29, in a shooting near the Heart of Lubbock neighborhood, began on Monday with jury selection.

Testimony for the trial will begin on Tuesday morning.

Montelongo previously backed out of a plea agreement back in April.

On March 3, 2022, officers were called to the 1900 block of 22nd Street around 12:20 p.m. Officers with the Lubbock Police Department found Rubio with a gunshot wound. She was taken to Covenant Medical Center, where she later passed away.

Rubio’s family previously told EverythingLubbock.com that her personality drastically changed after meeting Montelongo. They described the relationship with Montelongo as abusive. Rubio’s family said she came “very distant” and was “no longer opening up” to her loved ones.

Related coverage:

• One woman dead after Thursday shots-fired call, LPD says
• LPD makes arrest, identifies victim killed in Thursday shooting
• Boyfriend said ‘another male’ shot and killed Monica Rubio; LPD didn’t believe him
• Family raises awareness for domestic abuse after sister was shot and killed
• Lubbock man accused of murdering girlfriend backs out of plea on Thursday

Rubio was always known for being outgoing and fashionable, her family previously said. They described her as kind, loving and humble.

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