Capital murder arrest made in Tyler County

TYLER COUNTY - Breaking news to report, Tyler County Sheriff David Hennigan tells KFDM News a man has been arrested on a charge of capital murder in a killing that took place on February 13, 2009.

The victim, Harvey Tarr, 67, was found dead in front of his business/residence on FM 92 near Spurger, where he sold firewood.  

The killer struck Tarr at least twice in the forehead with a shovel.

Tarr was last seen alive at 6 a.m. that Friday the 13th. His body was discovered at 7:30 a.m.

Sheriff Hennigan says the suspect is Alvin James Christopher, 34, of Hardin County.

Hennigan says statements from witnesses as well as circumstantial evidence led them to Christopher.

He was arrested in Hardin County on Tuesday afternoon and transported to the Tyler County Jail.

He's charged with capital murder.  If convicted, he could face the death penalty.  His bond is $500,000.

Sheriff Hennigan believes robbery was the motive for the murder.  It's the first murder since 2006 in Tyler County.

Investigators had said Tarr was known to carry thousands of dollars.  He had no money on him when investigators found his body.

Sheriff Hennigan says the work of Sgt. Bud Sturrock and assistance from the Texas Rangers helped lead to the arrest.