A months-long investigation into a fatal shooting outside an east Arlington convenience store has led to a capital murder arrest, with police saying more suspects could still be out there.
Arlington police say 20-year-old Aleq Holmes was taken into custody on June 4 in Grand Prairie after a fugitive task-force operation. He is charged with capital murder in the March killing of 20-year-old Malachi Hayes, who was gunned down in the parking lot of a convenience store in the 2100 block of East Abram Street in the early hours of March 26. Hayes was found unresponsive and later died. Detectives say the investigation is still active and additional arrests are possible.
Federal Task Force Tracks Him Down
In a news release, the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force said it arrested Holmes in Grand Prairie on Thursday according to WFAA. The outlet reports Holmes is now facing a capital murder charge tied to the March 26 shooting and that his arrest followed investigative work to track him down.
Victim Was Former Sam Houston Player
Arlington officers were called to the convenience store around 1:30 a.m. on March 26 and found a man with multiple gunshot wounds. He was taken to Medical City Arlington, where he died, as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. The paper identified him as 20-year-old Malachi Daron Hayes and noted he had played for Sam Houston High School. At the time, police said they were looking into whether the shooting was connected to a high-risk activity.
Police Eye Possible Firearm Deal Gone Wrong
Arlington detectives told investigators they believe Hayes and Holmes may have been involved in a high-risk activity related to a firearm transaction, and that Holmes was identified after detectives reviewed digital evidence and interviewed witnesses, WFAA reports. Police say the probe remains active and have warned that additional arrests are possible. Investigators did not immediately say whether anyone else has been charged.
What a Capital Murder Charge Means
Holmes is charged with capital murder, a capital felony under Texas law that can carry life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty when the state seeks it, according to the Texas Penal Code. How the case proceeds will depend on evidence developed by Arlington investigators and decisions made by the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office.
