GILMER, Texas — Funeral services have been announced for sisters who were allegedly murdered by an East Texas man.
According to family, the funerals for Mandy Ray, 35, and Shakerrie (Dermetrica) Waters, 37, both of Gilmer, will be held Saturday, Nov. 18, at 12 p.m., at the Gilmer Civic Center, located at 1218 U.S. Hwy. 271 N., in Gilmer.
A repass will follow at the Yamboree Event Center, located at 181 Bob Glaze Dr., in Gilmer, behind Walmart.
Floral arrangements may be sent to Turner Brothers Mortuary at 317 E. Marshall St., in Gilmer.
According to the Upshur County Sheriff's Office, around 11:45 .m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, authorities responded to reports of a shooting at a house in the 2800 block of U.S. Hwy. 271 S., near Bluebird Rd.
When officials arrived on scene, they found two women, identified as Ray and Waters, dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
After taking witnesses statements, law enforcement obtained a capital murder arrest warrant for Alvin McKnight Jr. (Pookie), 41, of Gilmer. McKnight stands 6'5 and weighs about 280 lbs., with a muscular build. Officials say he has braided hair with blonde highlights. Officials say Waters and McKnight had a child together.
According to law enforcement, McKnight's vehicle was located on Tenery St. in Gladewater. It is now in the possession of the UCSO. His cell phone was pinged near Gay Ave., early Sunday morning, but is now unavailable.
"McKnight is reported to have several relatives and friends in the Upshur County and Gladewater area," the UCSO said. "Anyone seeing this person is asked to not confront this individual, but to contact their local law enforcement agency."
The Longview Police Department, recently arrested McKnight's sister, Laquesha McKnight, 38, of Longview, for reportedly helping him escape from the Upshur County area the night of the murders. She was booked into the Upshur County Jail on $500,000 bond.
Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to McKnight's arrest.
The Credit Union of Texas has set up an account for the public to make monetary donations that will go toward Ray and Waters' families.
If you have any information on McKnight's whereabouts, call 911 or your local law enforcement agency.