Sources: Amber Alert suspect connected with Monday homicide in southeast Austin
Oct 14, 2024
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The suspect in Monday morning's homicide in southeast Austin is believed to be the same suspect involved in an Amber Alert issued Monday afternoon, police sources told KXAN.
The three children, ages 10, 4 and 2, were found safe Monday evening after they were previously reported missing in Austin, the Austin Police Department said.
APD investigating after man, woman found dead outside southeast Austin apartment complex
As of 6:20 p.m. Monday, the suspect in their disappearance, identified by authorities as Sherles Machado Hernandez, is still at large and is considered to be armed and dangerous, police said.
Officials identified Hernandez as a 31-year-old Hispanic male. He's described as 5'9", weighs 160 pounds and has black hair and black eyes, per the Texas DPS. His photo, as provided to KXAN, is below.
Photo of Sherles Machado Hernandez, 31 (Courtesy Texas Department of Public Safety)The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide in southeast Austin on Oct. 14, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide in southeast Austin on Oct. 14, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)The Austin Police Department is investigating a homicide in southeast Austin on Oct. 14, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)
According to an internal memo sent to city staff, the mother of the three children at the center of the Amber Alert was one of the people found dead in Monday morning's homicide investigation.
In that case, one man and one woman, both in their early 20s, were found dead in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 1800 Burton Drive, which is between E. Oltorf Street and E. Riverside Drive, APD Public Information Officer Jose Mendez said at a press conference.
Texas DPS issued the alert for the children shortly after 4 p.m., according to DPS. The agency said the children were last seen around 5 p.m. Sunday in southeast Austin.
No other details were provided Monday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.