There's been much discussion about whom LE determined was the aggressor in the reported Moab altercation between Gabby and BL.
I don't recall consideration of the severity of the alleged aggression by either of them towards the other, nor what that may indicate.
BL grabbed Gabby's face, reportedly leaving a scratch from his nail. Gabby demonstrated this to LE.
IMO, this action by BL is a far more vicious than any slap.
Animals slap away their young when bothered by them, but to dig their claws into the face is an actual attack, an attempt to control the body of the creature, and to cause harm.
Grab your own jaw, with thump and middle finger just anterior to the bony parts, where the soft tissue of the cheek pads begin. Push not very hard at all, directing pressure towards the joints.
You'll likely experience significant pain which is sustained over some time – even causing a subsequent headache.
There is a very skinny opening in my thoughts to allow for BL to be innocent of causing Gabby's death, in spite of his behaviour.
However, IMO, face-grabbing is a savage act, indicative of a sadistic mind.