On December 15, 2023, the Howard County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a deceased individual found along the 3800 block of North Highway 87 in Big Spring, Texas. The victim was identified as 32-year-old Christopher Semmelmann. Investigators determined that Semmelmann had been recently murdered at a residence in the 100 block of Jonesboro Road.
On December 19, 2023, authorities obtained an arrest warrant for 25-year-old Ray Alvarado in connection with Semmelmann's murder.
That same day, Alvarado was implicated in a series of violent incidents in Big Spring. At approximately 6:00 p.m., police responded to a shooting at a convenience store on South Gregg Street, where 34-year-old Rosendo Deanda was found with a gunshot wound inside a vehicle. Deanda was transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center and later airlifted to University Medical Center in Lubbock due to the severity of his injuries. Alvarado was identified as the primary suspect in this shooting.
Later that evening, around 7:15 p.m., a gray Chevrolet pickup truck was reported stolen from the 200 block of West 2nd Street. The owner observed a Hispanic male, later identified as Alvarado, entering the vehicle and driving away. At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Settles Street in response to another shooting. The victim, 55-year-old David Holsenbeck, was transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly before midnight. Witnesses reported seeing a Chevrolet pickup leaving the scene, linking Alvarado to this crime as well.
A coordinated search involving multiple law enforcement agencies ensued. The stolen pickup was spotted, and after a brief pursuit, Alvarado abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. He was apprehended around 10:28 p.m., hiding in the backyard of a residence in the 2300 block of South Runnels Street. Alvarado was arrested and booked into the Howard County Jail on charges including the murder of Semmelmann and an outstanding burglary warrant. He was also identified as the primary suspect in the shootings of Deanda and Holsenbeck, as well as the vehicle theft.
In February 2024, a Howard County Grand Jury indicted Alvarado on multiple charges, including murder, fraudulent possession of identifying information, credit card abuse, and assault of a pregnant person. Additionally, 43-year-old Michael Bullinger was indicted for murder and tampering with physical evidence related to Semmelmann's death, indicating a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the homicide.
As of December 2024, the cases against Alvarado and Bullinger remain active, with both individuals awaiting trial for their alleged involvement in the murder of Christopher Semmelmann and related offenses. The community continues to seek justice for the victims affected by these tragic events.
