CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Double murder suspect jailed, bond set at $5 million

Double murder suspect jailed, bond set at $5 million

by Shavonne Herndon - bio | email

SULPHUR SPRINGS (KYTX) - Authorities surrounded a rural farmhouse near Sulphur Springs late last night. The suspect, Miguel Espinal, walked out into the hands of law enforcement.

Police are describing the murders as the most horrific crime scene in Upshur County history. They believe Espinal used multiple weapons to carry out this crime.

Catching Espinal was a team effort between Upshur County Sheriff's Department, Hopkins County, Gilmer police, Sulphur Springs police and the Immigrant Customs Enforcement. Once authorities surrounded a farmhouse with Espinal inside, he walked out and surrendered.

It was a somber Miguel Angel Espinal who was led handcuffed and in chains into an Upshur County courtroom for his arraignment.

Espinal is an immigrant from Honduras. Through a translator, Espinal was read his rights by Upshur County Judge Lauren Parrish. Investigators say on the night of January 1, Espinal entered the Gilmer home of Danny Clark and his disabled wife Subrina and stabbed them to death.

"The very fact that one of the victims in this case was handicapped as been reported that's certainly makes it that much more disgusting for me," said D.A. Billy Byrd.

Espinal did give a statement to police, but information on whether he is confessing to the crime is being withheld. Meanwhile, evidence continues to be gathered.

"We do have several knives in possession of the Gilmer police department. In the next few months those items will have to be analyzed," said Byrd.

It appears Espinal's girlfriend is related to the Clarks and officers say he murdered the Clarks out of jealousy.

"We believe that we have a firm motive that was developed he acted out of some jealousy, went to that location and he acted out," said Byrd.

Witnesses tell police they saw Espinal leaving the home, it was then he followed them to their residence covered in blood, which triggered the 9-1-1 call.

"That was another part of the crime scene...there was blood and DNA evidence left there."

The range of punishment for this offense is mandatory life imprisonment or possible death sentence.

Loved ones of Danny and Subrina Clark couldn't bear to look on.

Espinal's bond is set at $5 million. There's no word on if prosecutors will seek the death penalty. Byrd says it will take a couple of months before this goes before a grand jury. The Honduran native was in this country illegally, and worked different jobs for the past five years.

He was picked up once before on a DWI charge.