Desperate Double Murder Suspect Arrested Monday Near Abilene

HAMLIN, TX – A murder suspect out of Kansas was arrested on Monday morning in Jones County near Abilene.  

According to the Hamlin Police Department, on March 13, 2023 at approximately 5:45 a.m., Hamlin dispatch was informed of a male subject south bound from Aspermont to Hamlin on US 83 driving a white KIA Optima. The driver of the vehicle was wanted for a double homicide that had recently occurred in Liberal, Kansas and was threatening "suicide by cop".

Hamlin Police Chief Evans traveled north on US 83 and located the vehicle about 10 miles out of Hamlin. Evans followed the vehicle into Hamlin where Officer Joseph Benavides pulled in behind Evans. Evans made the decision not to attempt a traffic stop inside the city limits and was informed that Jones County Deputy Teddy Beasley was north on US 83 from Anson.

Once Deputy Beasley was in proximity a traffic stop was conducted. The officers conducted a high-risk felony stop. The driver hesitated at first, but finally exited the vehicle and was taken into custody. Hector Jesus Rey, 22 year old male, was transported to the Jones County Jail for processing.

The vehicle was secured for processing by Liberal Kansas authorities. Chief Evans spoke to the detectives from Kansas and learned that Rey had murdered two family members the night before and fled the state.

Evans was advised that detectives would be traveling to Jones County later Monday to interview Rey and collect evidence that had been secured.