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Texas man wanted for murder captured after Huntsville SWAT operation

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 23: Police tape surrounds a crime scene where three people were shot at the Wentworth Gardens housing complex in the Bridgeport neighborhood on June 23, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. A 24-year-old man died from injuries he suffered in the shooting and two others, a 22-year-old male and a 25-year-old male, were seriously wounded. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) (Scott Olson, 2021 Getty Images)

The Huntsville Police Department, in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, conducted a SWAT operation Wednesday on White Circle near Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. The mission successfully led to the apprehension of a suspect wanted in connection with a Texas murder.

Officials identified the accused killer as Ethan Amaya, who was wanted on a murder warrant out of Lubbock County for an incident on January 4, 2025. Investigators tracked Amaya to a residence on White Circle and initiated efforts to bring him into custody. According to HPD, other occupants of the home complied with orders to exit, but Amaya refused to surrender. Authorities called for additional resources to resolve the standoff peacefully.

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In a statement posted to Facebook, HPD said, “Repeated efforts to have him surrender himself have been made. Additional law enforcement resources have been summoned to the scene, and we will continue to resolve the situation peacefully.”

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Despite the ongoing situation, authorities reassured residents there was no immediate threat to the surrounding community.

Huntsville Independent School District (HISD) operations were unaffected. School resource officers were alerted as a precaution, and transportation services continued without interruption. For students living near White Circle, law enforcement coordinated with parents to escort children safely from bus stops to their homes.

HPD Chief Slaven extended gratitude to all assisting agencies, particularly Conroe PD, for their swift and coordinated efforts.


About the Authors
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

Holly Galvan Posey headshot

Holly joined the KPRC 2 digital team in March 2024, leveraging her eight years of expertise in blogging and digital content to share her passion for Houston. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring the city's vibrant scenes, all while balancing her roles as a wife and mother to two toddlers.

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