The Arlington Police Department has announced the arrest of an individual linked to the April 2020 homicide of Eugene Johnson.
Johnson was shot and killed during a robbery at an apartment complex located on the 800 block of N. Oak Street.
Following a thorough investigation, APD Homicide Detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of 29-year-old Mekel Gaston on charges of Capital Murder.
On May 16, 2025, members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force located and peacefully apprehended Mr. Gaston in Arlington. He is currently being held at Tarrant County Jail.
On April 28, 2020, around 4:56 a.m., officers responded to the apartment complex after a resident reported seeing an unresponsive man in the parking lot. When they arrived, they found Eugene Johnson, who had been shot and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that Mr. Johnson believed he was meeting a woman he had communicated with via text message. Instead, he was approached by an armed suspect demanding money. A physical struggle ensued, during which the suspect shot Mr. Johnson.
Detectives also uncovered that multiple similar armed robberies with comparable methods had occurred at this same apartment complex, indicating a possible connection.
In 2025, detectives interviewed a key witness who had not previously spoken to authorities. This witness provided crucial information linking Mr. Gaston to the earlier robberies and the shooting. Additionally, analysis of video footage from the scene was compared with images from an unrelated incident suspected to involve Mr. Gaston, revealing significant physical similarities.
Based on their evidence, investigators believe Mr. Gaston used online deception—posing as a woman—to lure Mr. Johnson to the scene with the intent to rob him.
After consulting with the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office, authorities filed formal charges against him.
Mr. Gaston was also arrested on an outstanding warrant for Assault Causing Bodily Injury.
