On the 15th of December 2023 Howard County Deputies were sent to the 3800 block of N. Hwy 87 regarding a deceased individual found on the side of the road. The deceased was identified as Christopher Semmelmann White/Male 32 years of age. The Howard County Sheriff’s Department Investigations Division investigated the death and found Semmelmann was recently murdered in the 100 block of Jonesboro Rd.
On the 19th of December 2023 Howard County Deputies applied for and received an arrest warrant for the murder of Semmelmann on Ray Alvarado Hispanic/Male 25 years of age.
On the 19th of December 2023 at approximately 6:00 P.M., Big Spring Police Department officers responded to the Sonoco convenience store located at 400 S. Gregg in reference to shots fired. Upon officers’ arrival Rosendo Deanda Hispanic/Male 34 years of age was found with a gunshot wound occupying a silver Chrysler van. Big Spring Fire and Emergency Medical Services immediately transported Deanda to Scenic Mountain Medical Center for treatment to his injuries sustained. Deanda was subsequently flown to UMC Lubbock due to the severity of his injuries. The Big Spring Police Department Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation has indicated Ray Alvarado is a suspect in this shooting as well.
On the 19th of December 2023 at approximately 7:15 P.M., Big Spring Police Department officers were notified of a Gray Chevrolet Pickup that was stolen from the 200 block of W. 2nd. Officers were informed the owner of the Pickup was doing some work in the area when he observed a Hispanic male enter the truck and drive off. A preliminary investigation found Ray Alvarado to be a suspect in this offense as well.
Howard County Sheriff’s Department Investigators, additional Big Spring Police Department Detectives and the Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers were notified to the area of 400 block NE 10th and the 400 block of NE 11th where the stolen vehicle was last seen by citizens to continue to search for the vehicle, and then continue searching for Ray Alvarado at multiple locations within the City and County.
On the 19th of December 2023 at approximately 9:30 P.M., Big Spring Police Department officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Settles in reference to another shooting and gunshot victim. Dispatch informed officers that a Chevrolet Pickup was last seen departing the area following the shooting. The victim in this shooting was found to be David Holsenbeck White/Male 55 years of age who was immediately transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center for treatment. An immediate perimeter was established in the area and a Howard County Investigator located the stolen Gray Chevrolet Pickup travelling northbound in the 1600 block of Jennings, the Howard County Investigator turned around on the stolen vehicle which eluded and turned onto 16th St. travelling eastbound and then immediately travelled southbound onto State St. where it came to a stop in the 1700 block of State. The sole occupant and driver of the stolen truck immediately exited the truck and ran in a southwest direction. On the 19th of December 2023 at approximately 10:28 P.M., Ray Alvarado was
apprehended after he was found to be hiding in the back yard of a residence in the 2300 block of S. Runnels. Ray Alvarado was transported to the Howard County Jail and booked for the Murder of Semmelmann and an outstanding Burglary of a Habitation warrant.
Big Spring Police Department Detectives were notified by Scenic Mountain Medical Center staff that Holsenbeck had succumbed to his injuries sustained and was now deceased just before midnight. A Justice of the Peace was notified and pronounced the death ordering an autopsy scheduled for Friday the 22nd 2023.
Next of kin was notified for both Holsenbeck and Deanda. At the time of this media release Deanda was in critical condition at UMC Lubbock. All the above-mentioned cases are still under investigation and there is no further information available from the Howard County Sheriff’s office or the Big Spring Police Department.
Ray Alvarado is the primary suspect in the shooting of Deanda, the stolen Gray Chevrolet Pickup and the murder of Holsenbeck.
CrimeStoppers is asking for the public’s help for any information regarding these incidents. If you are the first person with information leading to an arrest, you can earn a CASH reward!! You can submit a tip on any web browser at www.p3tips.com, use the mobile app P3 Tips, or call CrimeStoppers at (432)263-TIPS 8477.
Reminder: Do not leave your tip on Facebook messenger!
(Photo: Big Spring Police Department)
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