Accident – death – Obituary News :

Ray Alvarado Arrested for Multiple Crimes in Big Spring, Texas

BIG SPRING, Texas (KOSA) – The Big Spring Police Department has apprehended 25-year-old Ray Alvarado for his alleged involvement in a series of crimes committed between December 15th and December 19th. Alvarado now faces charges related to murder, shooting incidents, and vehicle theft.

Discovery of Deceased Individual

On December 15th, Howard County Deputies responded to a report of a dead person found on the side of the road in the 3800 block of N. Hwy 87. The deceased individual was later identified as Christopher Semmelmann, aged 32. The Howard County Sheriff’s Department Investigations Division conducted an inquiry and determined that Semmelmann had been killed in the 100 block of Jonesboro Rd.

Arrest Warrant and Shooting Incident

Following the investigation into Semmelmann’s murder, Howard County Deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Ray Alvarado on December 19th.

Later that day, at approximately 6 P.M., the Big Spring Police Department received reports of shots fired at the Sonoco convenience store located at 400 S. Gregg. Officers arrived at the scene to find Rosendo Deanda, aged 34, with a gunshot wound inside a Chrysler van. Deanda was promptly transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center by the Big Spring Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Due to the severity of his injuries, Deanda was subsequently airlifted to UMC Lubbock. The Big Spring Police Department Criminal Investigations Division initiated an inquiry and identified Alvarado as a suspect in this shooting incident as well.

Vehicle Theft and Ongoing Investigation

Approximately an hour after the shooting incident, at 7:15 P.M., the Big Spring Police Department was informed of a Gray Chevrolet Pickup stolen from the 200 block of W. 2nd. The owner of the pickup witnessed a Hispanic man entering the vehicle and driving away. Alvarado was identified as a suspect in this theft as well.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Howard County Sheriff’s Department Investigators, additional Big Spring Police Department Detectives, and the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers, conducted a search for Alvarado at various locations within the city and county. The stolen vehicle was last seen by citizens in the 400 block NE 10th and the 400 block of NE 11th.

Another Shooting and Apprehension of Alvarado

At around 9:30 P.M., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Settles following reports of another shooting. The victim, identified as David Holsenbeck, aged 55, was immediately taken to Scenic Mountain Medical Center for treatment. Unfortunately, Holsenbeck succumbed to his injuries shortly before midnight.

During the investigation, a Howard County Investigator spotted the stolen gray Chevrolet pickup traveling north in the 1600 block of Jennings. After a brief chase, the investigator and the suspect vehicle came to a stop in the 1700 block of State. The sole occupant and driver of the stolen truck quickly exited and fled the scene.

At approximately 10:28 P.M., Alvarado was apprehended after being found hiding in a backyard in the 2300 block of S. Runnels. He was subsequently taken to the Howard County Jail and booked on charges of Semmelmann’s murder, an outstanding burglary of a habitation warrant, and his suspected involvement in the shooting of Deanda and the theft of the gray Chevrolet pickup.

Appeal for Public Assistance

Alvarado is considered the primary suspect in the shooting of Deanda, the stolen vehicle incident, and the murder of Holsenbeck. Crime Stoppers is seeking the public’s help in providing any information relating to these incidents. Individuals can submit tips anonymously through various channels, including the web browser platform at www.p3tips.com, the mobile app P3 Tips, or by calling Crime Stoppers at (432) 263-TIPS 8477. It is important to note that tips should not be shared via Facebook Messenger.

As of 11:00 A.M. on December 20th, Deanda remained in critical condition at UMC Lubbock.

With the arrest of Ray Alvarado, law enforcement agencies are hopeful that justice will be served for the victims and their families.

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