According to Brownwood Police, 31-year-old Michael Zarate has been charged with the murder of 34-yr-old Ernesto Gonzales, Jr. of Brownwood.

Brownwood Police department gave the following details of the arrest:

The Brownwood Police Department Criminal Investigative Division continues to actively investigate the shooting death of 34-year-old Ernesto Gonzales, Jr.  On this date, more witness statements and store surveillance videos were gathered which led to the recovery of a weapon detectives believe was used in this shooting.

Upon review of all this information, detectives were able to secure an arrest warrant for 31-year-old Michael John Zarate of Brownwood.  Mr. Zarate was located at the Brown County Jail where he was being held since Monday on an unrelated offense.  The warrants stemming from this shooting incident were for Murder and Tampering with/or Fabricating Physical Evidence.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of all involved in this tragic event.

The Brownwood Police Department appreciates the continued support and assistance from all local agencies and from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Ranger Shea.