Murder suspect is armed and extremely dangerous

“Armed and extremely dangerous”, this how police are describing a local murder suspect who is on the run. According to police, the suspect told people he has no intention of being captured.

Family and friends in mourning following the murder of a loved one. “Leaving three kids without a mom, family without a sister, daughter, friends she had a bunch of friends that are really going to miss her,” said Erik Torres. Torres and his family gathered outside a southeast Austin home on Chaparral Trail Tuesday. The place where his sister, Francy Martinez, was killed.

“We are processing what has happened, just spending time here thinking,” said Torres.

Her body was found by family searching for her after she stopped responding to texts and phone calls over the weekend. “She would never leave the kids without calling them,” said Torres.

The suspect is Martinez’s boyfriend, 33 year-old Sergio Jose Gomez Herrada.

Police report he is still at large. “I never trusted the guy,” said Torres. Austin police say Herrada is armed and extremely dangerous. “He has also stated to people that he knows that he will not be taken by police,” said Sergeant Eric De Los Santos with Austin Police.

Tracking Herrada down is proving a challenge for police. He was last seen in western Bastrop County around the Lost Pines area, possibly even changing his appearance.

“He is receiving assistance from friends and relatives. They are providing him transportation, so he could be back in Austin or in another location. I don't know the extent that they are helping him willingly, there may be threats involved,” said De Los Santos.

Police also warned Herrada’s potential connection to other criminal activity will make him an even greater threat. “We have heard things that he may be associated with the distribution of narcotics. While it's not really an important part of the investigation the fact that he has narcotics if he decides to take them and is in an altered state that could make him even more dangerous,” said De Los Santos.

Torres and his family are pleading for help in tracking down Herrada. “If you see him, get in contact with police, so he can be caught and brought to justice for what he has done,” said Torres.

If you do see Herrada, do not approach him, instead call police.

APD is also looking for the victim's red Toyota Camry which was taken following the murder.

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