10/30/2026
This month, 392nd District Court Judge R. Scott McKee sentenced Nicki Gibby to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for the murder of Derris Reynolds, who was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack on February 25, 2026.
During the sentencing hearing, the State presented surveillance footage documenting the events surrounding Reynolds’ death and Gibby’s subsequent efforts to conceal the crime. Reynolds had been stabbed 19 times and died within minutes of the attack.
After approximately a week without hearing from Reynolds, his family contacted the Athens Police Department for assistance in locating him. Athens Police Department Detective Jeffrey Vasquez, assisted by the Texas Rangers and the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, responded to the residence. Investigators discovered Reynolds’ body in the garage.
The State was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Aaron Lilly and Christian Simpson.
District Attorney Jenny Palmer expressed her condolences to the Reynolds family and recognized the work of the law enforcement officers who investigated the case.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the Reynolds family as they continue to cope with this devastating loss,” Palmer said. “No family should have to endure the circumstances surrounding Derris’ death. I am grateful for the diligent and collaborative work of the investigators. Their efforts were instrumental in investigating this case and bringing the person responsible before the court.”
“Derris Reynolds lost his life in a senseless and brutal act of violence. While no sentence can undo the harm suffered by his family, we hope this outcome provides some measure of justice,” Palmer said.
