March 21, 2022 - Charges have been filed against a second suspect arrested in the fatal shooting of a man found at 100 West Hamilton Street about 11 a.m. on January 17.  

The second suspect, Thomas Alvarez, 35, is charged with murder in the 176th State District Court.  A booking photo of Alvarez is attached to this news release.

A previous suspect, Earnest Austin, 33, is charged with murder in the 208th State District Court.  A booking photo of Austin is also attached to this news release.

Both men are charged in the death of Avanti King, 19.

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant M. Holbrook and Detective J. Roscoe reported:  

A witness picking up trash at the end of Patrick Street, south of the above address, discovered the body of Mr. King deceased from a gunshot wound. 

Early Saturday morning (March 19), Alvarez was arrested in the 10700 block of West Belfort Street and subsequently charged for his role in King's death  

Previously, on February 12, Austin was arrested on felony warrants unrelated to King's murder.  The arrest followed a vehicle and foot pursuit by Midwest Patrol Division Crime Suppression Team officers with the assistance of the FBI.

Following his arrest, Austin was charged for his role in King's death.



Earnest Austin


UPDATE #2:  KJS/VHS   3-21-22
UPDATE:  KJS/JKS   2-16-22
VHS/JFC  1-18-22
Inc. #007255022