Suspect arrested in San Marcos stabbing death

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - San Marcos police arrested Brelyn Sorrells of Austin in the weekend stabbing death of 20-year-old Arthur Martinez.

Sorrells, 20, was arrested shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday at San Marcos Police Headquarters following a police interview.

He was charged with murder and taken to the Hays County Law Enforcement Center, where he is being held on $750,000 bond. According to the department, additional charges are anticipated.

Police were sent to 704 Allen Street around 12:30 a.m. Sunday for a reported loud party, which officers estimated to have about 300 people.

Police Chief Howard Williams said Sorrells was at the party when he got in a fight inside the home.

That's when Martinez was stabbed. EMS took him to Central Texas Medical Center, where he died shortly after 1 a.m.

Police immediately began their investigation at the home, and a search of the home uncovered the weapon used in the killing.

Investigators continued to develop their case throughout the next few days, talking to witnesses and unraveling the timeline of events.

“This investigation was complex,” said Williams. “For the past four days, all of our detectives worked on it. There were many witnesses who gave inconsistent statements about the event, and people were tampering with the evidence and with witnesses."

Police also searched Sorrells’ home in Austin about eight hours after the stabbing.

"I believe that our detectives did an exceptional job in detailing what happened that night," said Williams. "The investigation uncovered additional victims about whom we were not aware the night that it happened."

Meanwhile, the Martinez family has been notified of the arrest.