Suspect in custody after deadly shooting: Mart police

MART, Texas (KWTX) - The Mart Police Department responded to a shooting Monday night that left one person dead.

On Monday, May 19, around 11:29 p.m., authorities were sent to the 127 South Commerce Street.

Once they arrived, police said they found Merlin Gonzalez talking on his phone and the victim lying on the ground.

Authorities arrested Gonzales and checked on the victim, according to the affidavit.

While checking the victim twice, police said he did not have a pulse and had an exit wound in the middle of his back.

The victim, police said, was later pronounced dead at the scene, and the victim’s family has since been notified.

Investigators on scene, found a 9 mm handgun used about 15 feet from the victim, according to police.

Gonzalez told police the victim had a knife, so he shot him in self-defense, according to the affidavit.

However, a witness told police he saw the victim walking west on East Limestone. When the victim reached South Pearl and East Limestone, he and Gonzalez were having a verbal altercation, according to police.

The witness said the suspect disappeared and the victim continued walking west on East Limestone. About three minutes later, the witness heard a single gunshot, according to police.

Investigators believe Gonzalez continued following the victim after the altercation. The victim was found about halfway between South Pearl Street and South Commerce Street.

Mart police arrested Merlin Gonzalez on a charge of murder and he remains jailed under a $500,000 bond.

“The Mart Police Department would like to thank the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, the McLennan County Criminal Investigations Division, the Riesel Police Department and AMR for their assistance with this incident,” Mart PD said.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding this incident, contact McLennan County Dispatch at (254) 757-5222.