PANOLA COUNTY – An 18-year-old Sardis man has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the deaths of a father and daughter found shot on River Road earlier this year, according to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded March 1 to a reported single-vehicle crash on River Road, northeast of Belmont Road.
When deputies arrived, they found 22-year-old Serenity Gonzalez and her father, 41-year-old Victor Gonzalez, dead from apparent gunshot wounds.
The sheriff’s office said investigators began collecting evidence and conducting an extensive investigation. Over the following months, authorities developed information that led to an arrest warrant.
On Aug. 13, Charles Willie Lark IV, 18, of Sardis, was arrested and charged with capital murder.
The Panola County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and that additional arrests are possible as investigators continue following the evidence.
The sheriff’s office thanked the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Division for assisting in Lark’s apprehension.
Authorities also extended condolences to the family and loved ones of Serenity and Victor Gonzalez.
Lark is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
