5 chilling details about Anthony Gibson's murder

The upcoming episode of Homicide Hunter: American Detective is all set to take a look back at the murder of Anthony Gibson, who was shot to death before being burned beyond recognition. The brutality of this case makes it stand out in the history of Leeds, Alabama.

It is also a case with numerous twists and turns, even things that very few would consider. The episode is titled Candy, and it is based on the perpetrator's name, Candie Zito. The episode airs on June 19, 2024, at 9 pm EST. The synopsis for the episode reads:

"Deep in Alabama's kudzu, cops receive a call about a young man's bullet-riddled body that has been charred beyond recognition. Det. Kevin Palmer, initially stumped, turns to the victim's phone records and discovers a diabolical strategy to lure him to his death."

Ahead of the episode tonight, here are five chilling details about the murder of Anthony Gibson that could shock even veteran true crime enthusiasts.

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5 chilling details about the murder of Anthony Gibson

1) Anthony Gibson and his perpetrator Candie Zito dated at one point

Gibson was lured by Candie into her house (Image via Pexels)

Candie Zito may be completely different from Anthony, a textbook overachiever. But they dated back when Candie moved to a notorious party house in Leeds, Alabama. Anthony was still in high school when he dated Candie, but their relationship did not last.

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2) Anthony Gibson disappeared on July 2, 2015, turning up burnt beyond recognition

Anthony Gibson, a popular figure in his circle, suddenly went silent on July 2, 2015, which raised concerns among his friends. His family was also worried, but initially, the police allegedly thought it was too soon to register a case.

On July 5, 2015, Anthony's body was found by a couple driving through rural Leeds. It took a fingerprint test to decipher that it was indeed Gibson's body. It was revealed on further examination that he was first shot to death, then burnt, perhaps to hide the tracks.

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3) Anthony Gibson had called two people on the night of his disappearance

The victim was burned beyond recognition (Image via Pexels)

Anthony's call log became a key evidence in the case as the authorities managed to track who he contacted in the crucial hours before his disappearance. This included Jessica Irwin, Gibson's then-girlfriend, and Candie Zito, who quite suspiciously claimed that she hadn't spoken to Gibson for years.

This raised suspicion among the authorities, who tried to contact Candie, but she refused to cooperate. Moreover, Candie was linked to the case through another source—a local drug dealer named Lane Lowery, whose name came up from an anonymous source.

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4) Candie Zito and her cousin Corey Zito led the police through a high-octane chase with tragic results

When the police tried to apprehend Candie Zito, they found her with her 26-year-old cousin, who she was allegedly romantically involved with. The two led the police through a dangerous chase traversing several countries. The chase ultimately ended with Corey and Candie crashing their car through several trees. Both of them sustained grave injuries, with Corey even falling into a coma.

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5) Corey and Candie Zito were indicted for the murder of Anthony Gibson

After airlifting the two car crash victims to the hospital, the police charged them with the murder of Anthony Gibson. After a lengthy period of statements and confusion, Candie and Corey pleaded guilty in exchange for a 20-year-long prison sentence.

They remain in prison as of now, with their earliest release date set for 2035.

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Homicide Hunter: American Detective will cover this case in further detail on June 19, 2024.