PRIMERA, TX – A Texas man will spend two decades in prison after admitting to fatally stabbing his mother, then attempting to kill his father during a violent outburst inside the family’s home last spring.
Dallas Scott Gilbert, now 20, was sentenced by a Cameron County judge to 20 years in state prison following his guilty plea to murder. The charges stem from the killing of his mother, 47-year-old Angela Watt Gilbert, on April 19, 2023.
Authorities say Gilbert, then 18, launched his attack shortly before noon at the family’s residence on Stuart Place Road, just outside Harlingen near the U.S.-Mexico border. Prosecutors described the disturbing incident as an episode of “sudden rage,” triggered by a minor dispute earlier that morning. According to court records, Gilbert recalled his father had complained he wasn’t in good enough shape to throw a football.
Soon after, Gilbert went to the kitchen, grabbed a knife, and cut his mother’s hand. He reportedly described this initial injury as the result of “playing around,” but told investigators he was soon overtaken by uncontrollable anger. In the next moments, he repeatedly stabbed his mother, according to officials.
Angela Gilbert’s cries for help woke her husband, who rushed to the kitchen. When he intervened, Gilbert turned the knife on his father, stabbing him as well. Despite his injuries, the father managed to overpower his son, restrain him, and call 911 for help.
First responders arrived and attempted to save Angela Gilbert, transporting her to a nearby hospital, but she was later pronounced dead from her wounds. Investigators reported that the victim sustained six to eight stab wounds and noted numerous defensive wounds on her hands, suggesting she fought fiercely during the attack.
After the incident, police said Gilbert made a full confession and attributed his actions to a rage he claimed was inexplicable and overwhelming. Authorities noted that he cooperated with investigators following his arrest.
In court, Gilbert agreed to plead guilty to one count of murder. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dismissed charges of attempted capital murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Gilbert will serve his 20-year sentence in a state correctional facility. Court records do not indicate whether he will be eligible for parole before completing his term.
The slaying left the small community shaken, as neighbors struggled to comprehend the violence that shattered a family in their midst. Authorities have not released additional information regarding Gilbert’s mental health or what, if any, counseling services will be available to the surviving victim.