Kentucky Murder Suspect Captured by State Police Near Merrillville After Fatal Assault in La Grange
LA GRANGE, KY — A man suspected of brutally killing his ex-girlfriend was arrested early Wednesday morning after a multi-state manhunt. Kentucky authorities have confirmed the arrest of Oscar David Torres Alvarez, 32, who is accused of murdering Katherine Andrea Homez Gomez, 33, at the Oldham County Health Department in La Grange, Kentucky.
The tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when local law enforcement responded to a distress call about an assault at the health department, located at 1786 Commerce Parkway. When police arrived at the scene around 7:45 p.m., they found the victim, Katherine Gomez, dead from what appeared to be multiple lacerations.
The Crime: A Brutal Attack at the Health Department
According to the La Grange Police Department and the Oldham County Police Department, the assault occurred at the health department, where Katherine Gomez worked. The victim, who was a local resident, suffered fatal injuries in what authorities believe was a violent altercation. Her death, which has left the community in shock, is believed to be the result of an intimate partner violence situation.
The victim’s former boyfriend, Oscar David Torres Alvarez, was quickly identified as the prime suspect. Police say the attack was not a random act, and that the two had a history of a tumultuous relationship. Details of the incident remain under investigation, but authorities have described the crime scene as gruesome, with multiple injuries inflicted on the victim.
The Manhunt: From Kentucky to Indiana
Following the murder, Torres Alvarez fled the scene, sparking an immediate search for him. Authorities quickly issued a wanted notice and began a manhunt that spanned across state lines.
At around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday, Indiana State Police located Torres Alvarez’s vehicle on I-65, heading north near Merrillville, Indiana. After confirming that the suspect was inside the vehicle, authorities executed a felony stop with assistance from local law enforcement. Police surrounded the car, and after a brief confrontation, Torres Alvarez was taken into custody without incident.
In an unexpected turn, police discovered that Torres Alvarez had a child in the car at the time of his arrest. Fortunately, the child was unharmed and was taken into protective custody. The child’s identity and relationship to Torres Alvarez have not been disclosed, but authorities confirmed the child was not involved in the incident.
The Arrest: Awaiting Extradition
Torres Alvarez, who had been on the run since the brutal murder of Katherine Gomez, was taken into custody by Indiana State Police and is now awaiting extradition back to Kentucky to face charges. He will likely face charges of first-degree murder, and additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
The suspect’s arrest brings some relief to the family and friends of Katherine Gomez, who are now left to mourn the senseless loss of a woman who, by all accounts, had a bright future ahead of her. Local authorities in Kentucky have expressed gratitude for the cooperation between Kentucky and Indiana law enforcement agencies, which led to the successful capture of the suspect just hours after the crime.
The Victim: Katherine Andrea Homez Gomez
Katherine Gomez, 33, was a beloved member of the community in La Grange, Kentucky. She was known for her kindness, dedication, and her work at the Oldham County Health Department, where she had been employed for several years. Friends and colleagues have shared emotional tributes, remembering her as a caring individual who always put others first.
Family members of Katherine have spoken out about the pain and heartbreak caused by her tragic death. “She was taken from us in such a brutal way,” said a close family member, fighting back tears. “No one deserves to die like this, especially not someone with such a big heart.”
Katherine’s death has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit La Grange community, where she was known and loved. Local organizations, including the Oldham County Health Department, have expressed their condolences and offered support to her grieving family.
Torres Alvarez: A History of Violence?
Details about the relationship between Oscar David Torres Alvarez and Katherine Gomez have begun to emerge, and authorities are looking into the possibility that this may not have been an isolated incident. Neighbors and close family members have hinted that the couple’s relationship was marked by signs of abuse, though the specifics of their history together have not been fully revealed.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Torres Alvarez has a criminal history or if there were prior incidents that may have indicated a pattern of violence. However, police are urging anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity or who has information about the couple’s relationship to come forward.
A Grieving Community and a Call for Justice
As the investigation continues, the people of Oldham County are left to grapple with the shocking loss of one of their own. The violent death of Katherine Gomez has sparked conversations about domestic violence, its devastating effects, and the urgent need for increased awareness and resources to support victims of abuse.
Domestic violence remains a significant issue in communities across the country, and the loss of Katherine serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing this issue with urgency. Advocacy groups and domestic violence organizations have rallied around Katherine’s family, offering support and resources to those impacted by her death.
Community leaders have called for increased efforts to support those affected by domestic violence and to ensure that individuals like Torres Alvarez do not have the opportunity to harm others. “This is a tragedy, but we cannot let it go in vain,” said a local advocate. “We must do everything we can to prevent future violence and ensure that everyone can live in safety.”
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
As Oscar David Torres Alvarez awaits his extradition back to Kentucky, the family and friends of Katherine Gomez prepare to lay her to rest. While her life was tragically cut short, the impact she had on those who knew her will not be forgotten. In the coming weeks, her loved ones will continue to seek justice for her untimely death, and the community of La Grange will continue to heal from the pain left in the wake of this brutal crime.
This tragedy has once again highlighted the devastating impact of domestic violence, and it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, compassion, and support for victims. Our hearts go out to Katherine’s family and all those who are mourning her loss. We can only hope that justice will be served, and that her family will find peace during this incredibly difficult time.