Elderly Assault Victim Dies, Suspect Could Face Murder Charges

A 21-year-old San Angelo man could face murder charges after brutally beating an elderly man, who later succumbed to the injuries and died, police said.

According to a release issued by the police department, officers responded to 74-year-old Virgil Gray's residence at 805 E. 42nd St. on Feb. 22 at 8:37 p.m., where they learned that Gray had been beaten, sustaining severe injuries to his torso and head. 

San Angelo Fire Department medics transported Gray to Shannon Hospital for treatment of his injuries, where he was admitted and transferred to the Intensive Care Unit.

Through investigation detectives learned developed 21-year-old Casey Aleman as a suspect in the assault. Aleman, who had recently begun staying at the residence, left the scene prior to police arrival.  Several attempts to locate Aleman were made but all were unsuccessful. 

Based on the investigation and witness statements, a warrant for Injury to the Elderly was issued for Aleman.

On Feb. 23, at approximately 5:30 p.m., detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division and the Special Operations Section located Aleman in the 600 block of Preusser Street. Aleman was taken into custody on the warrant.

On March 4, Gray succumbed to his injuries at Shannon Medical Center. Gray will be sent for autopsy to determine the cause of death. A murder charge against Aleman will be dependent on autopsy results, and the Tom Green County District Attorney’s Office will determine what other charges may be filed.