Friends and Family Remember Former Fairfax Man Killed in Mexico

After Patch broke the story that former Fairfax resident Lane Gilbert's body was found in southern Mexico over the weekend, more details have emerged about the real estate agent's disappearance. 

Gilbert's death is being ruled a homicide and a suspect has been arrested. Andres Maya Martinez, who was earlier questioned after being found with Gilbert's Honda CR-V and was covered in a number of bruises and bite marks, is being held as a suspect, officials said. According to a statement released by the family, Martinez confessed to murdering Gilbert with a machete. No motive has been discovered yet.

Gilbert lived with his partner outside Oaxaca for nearly 20 years, where he served as a real estate agent, contractor, and stained glass artist. A 1981 graduate of Drake, Gilbert had recently been back to Marin for a high school reunion. His mother Jerie and brother Reid still live in Fairfax, though they traveled down to Mexico after Gilbert's Aug. 27 disappearance.

After the story emerged of Gilbert's death, a number of news outlets ran information about the alleged homicide. However, friends and family are growing concerned about the hostile comments that have emerged on sites like sfgate.com and the Marin Independent Journal. Though a number of comments were flagged and deleted, there were still comments ranging from vaguely homophobic to tirades about the Mexican government to arguments against liberal politics.

We would like to invite those that knew Gilbert to use this space to comment on his life, and remember and share stories about him. A memorial service is planned once Reid returns and information will be provided on FindLaneGilbert.com.