Fans of the CBS series NCIS: Origins are eager to uncover the mystery behind the tragic deaths of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ family members. This gripping spin-off delves into Gibbs’ formative years during the 1990s, detailing his entry as a special agent in the NCIS Camp Pendleton office. The narrative not only explores his professional journey but also unveils the personal struggles, formidable challenges, and deep-rooted secrets that ultimately forged his character into the formidable leader seen in the original NCIS series.

This article offers an in-depth exploration of the shocking murder of Gibbs’ family and the identity of the perpetrator.

Unraveling the Mystery: Who is Responsible for the Murder of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ Wife and Daughter in NCIS: Origins?

The devastating loss of Gibbs’ wife and daughter can be traced back to Pedro Hernandez, a member of the notorious Reynosa Cartel, who played a direct role in their untimely deaths during a tragic car accident.

The heartbreaking details surrounding the murder of Gibbs’ family were uncovered in Season 3 of NCIS. In a pivotal moment, Gibbs’ wife, Shannon, witnesses Hernandez committing a heinous act—murdering a Marine. Rather than remaining silent, she bravely decides to take a stand against Hernandez, intending to testify in court. This courageous choice, however, places both her and her daughter Kelly in grave danger, as it puts them directly in the crosshairs of a dangerous criminal.

To protect them, an agent from the Naval Investigative Service (NIS) is assigned to ensure their safety. Unfortunately, during a fateful car trip, this agent is fatally shot, resulting in a catastrophic car crash that claims the lives of both Shannon and Kelly. The news of their tragic deaths sends Gibbs into a vortex of grief and fury, igniting a burning desire for vengeance against Pedro Hernandez.

Earlier in Season 3, it is revealed that Gibbs takes matters into his own hands by using a sniper rifle to shoot and kill Pedro, a dark secret he keeps hidden from everyone around him. This past reemerges in the recent episode of NCIS: Origins titled “Vivo o Muerto,” where the team travels to Mexico to investigate a woman’s mysterious disappearance after a night out with a Navy Seaman.

As the investigation unfolds, the team uncovers connections to the Reynosa Cartel, linking the current case back to Gibbs’ haunting past. While the woman is ultimately rescued, Lala—a character involved in the investigation—reveals her feelings of guilt, lamenting that she should have pursued action against Pedro sooner. Yet, Gibbs remains tight-lipped about his own past, choosing to keep his secret buried to maintain Lala’s trust and confidence in him.