Why Austin Stowell’s Gibbs Killed [Spoiler] in NCIS: Origins

Many are curious to know why Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, killed Pedro Hernandez in NCIS: Origins. The latest episode titled “Vivo o Muerto” features a young woman who, after savoring a clubbing night, suddenly disappears. The team heads to Mexico to crack the case and along the way, more details are unveiled about Gibbs’ past revenge. Here’s a detailed article about Gibb’s backstory with Hernandez.

How and why did Austin Stowell’s Gibbs kill Pedro Hernandez in NCIS: Origins?

Leroy Jethro Gibbs shot Reynosa Cartel member Pedro dead to enact revenge for killing his family members.

Episode 9 features the team getting prepared to solve the disappearance of a woman, whose case is later surprisingly tied to Gibbs’ past. The team heads to the Tijuana nightclub, learning the involvement of the Reynosa Cartel (whose dealer Pedro killed Gibbs’ family).

They began suspecting that the cartel, which is involved in kidnapping and trafficking, might be behind the missing woman’s case. Their suspicions are confirmed when they find the woman there. Gibbs and Lala, with the help of Tijuana police, get the woman out of the cartel’s clutches.

Later, in a one-to-one conversation between Lala and Gibbs, the former opens up about being guilty of not prosecuting Pedro earlier. Gibbs holds a big secret that he doesn’t unveil to anyone — not even to Lala. He knew that the cartel leader was responsible for the deaths of his wife and child. So, he settles scores with him by shooting him dead before joining the investigation team.

Though he had the chance to spill his secret to Lala, he decided not to. However, he had his reasons behind it, as per co-creator David J. North. He said, “[Gibbs] had the opportunity to tell her what he did but he chose not to. Gibbs has a bit of a hole to dig out of in making her believe again that he’s someone that she can fully trust.” (via The Wrap)

The mid-season finale is scheduled for December 16, 2024.