On November 4, 2023, at around 11:42 PM, law enforcement authorities in Upshur County, Texas, responded to a distressing incident at a residence located in the 2800 block of U.S. Highway 271 South, near Bluebird Road in Gilmer.
Upon arrival at the scene, Upshur County Deputies discovered two individuals who had lost their lives due to apparent gunfire. The victims have been identified as 35-year-old Mandy Ray and 37-year-old Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, both residents of Gilmer.
Witnesses present at the scene provided crucial information that has led to the issuance of a capital murder arrest warrant for 41-year-old Alvin Charles McKnight, also a Gilmer resident, in connection with this incident. McKnight is described as a 6-foot-5-inch tall, approximately 280-pound black male with braided hair featuring blond highlights and a physically muscular build. It is important to note that McKnight is believed to have several relatives and friends in the Upshur County and Gladewater area.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and refrain from approaching McKnight if seen. Instead, they are encouraged to promptly contact their local law enforcement agency with any information.
The investigation into this grim incident revealed that suspect Alvin Charles McKnight and victim Dermetrica Waters had been living together until recently. Consequently, this case is being treated as an incident of domestic violence.
