Authorities seek capital murder suspect after two victims found shot to death

Published 10:43 am Sunday, November 5, 2023

UPSHUR COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are searching for a Gilmer man wanted in connection with a homicide investigation.

Two people were found dead around 11:42 p.m. Saturday as Upshur County deputies, Gilmer Police officers and Texas State Troopers responded to a shooting in the 2800 block of U.S. Highway 271 South, near Bluebird Road.

The shooting victims were identified as Gilmer residents Mandy Ray, 35, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.

Witness statements at the scene provided information that has led to the issuing of a capital murder arrest warrant for Alvin Charles McKnight, 41, of Gilmer, in connection with the case.

McKnight is a Black male, 6-foot 5-inches tall, weighing approximately 280 pounds. He is described as having braided hair with blond highlights and is physically muscular in build, according to the sheriff’s office.

McKnight is reported to have several relatives and friends in the Upshur County and Gladewater area. Anyone seeing this person is asked to not confront McKnight, but to contact their local law enforcement agency.

Suspect McKnight and victim Dermetrica Waters had lived together until recently, and this case is considered an incident of domestic violence.

Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter pronounced the victims dead at the scene and ordered autopsies for both victims.