Gladewater murder suspect remains at large, reward offered

GLADEWATER — Law enforcement officials continue to search for a capital murder suspect.  According to the Gladewater Police Department and our news partner KETK, 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr is considered “armed and extremely dangerous” after a double homicide north of Gladewater Saturday night. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that the shooting happened at home in the 2800 block of U.S Highway 271 South, near Bluebird Road. When deputies arrived at the scene they found Mandy Ray, 35, of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, of Gilmer, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Upshur County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information on the whereabouts of McKnight.

Witness statements from the scene lead to a capital murder arrest warrant for McKnight Jr., officials said. Ray and Waters were pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter, who has ordered autopsies for both victims.

Officials said that McKnight and Waters lived with each other until recently and that this case is being considered an incident of domestic violence.

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office described McKnight as a 6ft. 5in. tall, 280 pound black man with a muscular build and braided hair that has blond highlights.

Gladewater police found McKnight Jr’s truck in Gladewater on Tenery Street and the last location of his cell phone was pinged near Gay Avenue early Sunday morning.

Authorities said if you see McKnight, do not approach and call law enforcement immediately. You can contact Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Gladewater PD or Crime Stoppers to report any information as to the whereabouts of Alvin McKnight, Jr.