Out of the 44 Homicides in Austin:
16 murders have yet to have suspects identified or arrests made in cases
15 separate homicide have suspects in Travis County Jail
4 murder suspects were arrested, but are no longer in Travis County Jail records
2 suspects have had charges dismissed
2 suspects have not had their identity released
2 suspects are juveniles and presumed to still be in custody at Juvenile Detention
2 suspects committed murder/suicide
1 suspect known, but still at large
1 suspect has already bonded out of jail
1 suspect is in Bell County Jail
1 suspect died while in jail
Homicide #44:
Case: 21-1780303
Date: Sunday, June 27, 2021, 2:49 a.m.
Location: 7247 Cameron Rd.
Deceased: Bobby Deshawn Hill, Black male, born 09/15/1998 – Stabbing
Suspect: Unknown
911 received calls of a stabbing at an apartment complex in 7200 block of Cameron Rd. APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on scene to find Bobby Deshawn Hill unresponsive with multiple stab wounds. Despite lifesaving measures, Hill succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:27 a.m. by Dr. Fielder.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #43:
Case: 21-1761855
Date:
Friday, June 25, 2021, 11:59 p.m.
Location: 1100 West Parmer Lane (7-Eleven store)
Deceased: Daniel Peter Foti, White male, born 03/29/1986 – Ran over multiple times by moving vehicle
Suspect: Unknown
Austin 911 received a call from the clerk working at the 7-Eleven location. The clerk advised that a silver vehicle had run over a male multiple times in the parking lot. The male victim was transported to the hospital but was pronounced deceased a short time later.
The vehicle is described as: Silver or grey, likely 2017-2020 Honda hatchback
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #42:
Case: 21-1750149
Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021, 2:54 a.m.
Location: 7201 E. Meadow Bend Dr.
Deceased: Ehh Tee Cha, Asian male, born 05/15/2002 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Arrested Frank Williams, Black male, 53 years of age
911 received calls of several shots fired in the 7200 block of E. Meadow Bend Dr. The Caller reported that her boyfriend had been shot. APD officers arrived on scene and located a parked vehicle with a single Asian male occupant in the driver’s seat who was unresponsive. APD officers removed the driver from the vehicle and observed that he had suffered several gunshot wounds. Officers quickly began to perform life-saving measures on the victim until Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on the scene. Ehh Tee Cha, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 3:13 a.m. Through witness statements, detectives learned that the suspect involved in the shooting of Tee had exchanged gunfire with a friend of the victim who heard the shots coming from inside the victim’s car. The suspect fled the scene and was later found with multiple gunshot wounds on the porch of a residence. The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he remains in serious condition.
Update: The suspect’s identity has not been released, nor is it known whether the suspect is still in the hospital.
Update 2: The Austin Police Department (APD) arrested Frank Williams for the murder of Ehh Tee Cha on June 24, 2021. Williams was arrested on June 28, 2021 and charged with 1st degree murder with a $100,000 dollar bond. He is currently in custody in the Travis County Jail.
Homicide #41:
Case: 21-1741379
Date: Wednesday, June 23, 2021, 8:23 PM
Location: 3811 E. 12th St. (Givens Park)
Deceased: Brandon O. Johnson, Black male, born 8/6/1987 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Unknown
On Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at approximately 8:23 p.m. 911 received multiple calls of several shots fired at Givens Park. Callers reported that there was a person in a car near the tennis courts at this location. APD officers arrived on scene and located a parked vehicle with a single black male occupant in the driver’s seat who was unresponsive. APD officers removed the driver from the vehicle and observed that he had suffered several gunshot wounds. Officers quickly began to perform life-saving measures on the victim until Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on the scene. The victim was quickly transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased at 9:07 p.m.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #40:
Case: 21-0450860
Date: Sunday, February 14, 2021, 1:42 p.m.
Location: 7100 N. IH 35
Deceased: Juan Diaz-Pastor, Hispanic male, born 02/12/1966 – Strangulation
Suspect: Unknown
911 received a call of an unresponsive male found in a room at the Motel 6 located at 7100 block of N. IH 35. APD and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on scene to find the victim, Juan Diaz-Pastor, deceased with obvious trauma. Homicide investigators and crime scene technicians were called to the scene to investigate. They are still investigating this crime. Investigators are looking to speak with the two individuals that were staying in the room where the deceased man was found.
Motel guest 1 is described as:
Black male, has braids or dreadlocks, stocky build, between 5’10” and 6’ in height, estimated to be between 30 and 35 years of age, last seen wearing a black zip-up hoodie, blue pants, black beanie, black and grey shoes with red laces
Motel guest 2 is described as:
Black – gender undetermined, average build, estimated to be between 25 and 30 years of age, last seen wearing light-color jacket, blue pants and pink gloves
Update: On June 17, 2021, the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office advised that the official cause of death was ruled as a strangulation and the manner of death homicide. Suspects have not been identified.
Homicide #39:
Case: 21-1710052
Date: Sunday, June 20, 2021, 12:31 a.m.
Location: 11000 Blk. Robert Wooding Dr.
Deceased: Javone Montre Hodges, Black male, born 09/30/2001 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Coolidge Ali Humphries, Black male, 19 years of age
911 received a call of shots fired in the 11000 block of Robert Wooding Dr. APD officers and EMS arrived on scene to residence that was hosting a birthday party and found two males that had sustained gunshot wounds. Austin-Travis County EMS attempted life-saving measures on Javone Montre Hodges but were unsuccessful. Mr. Hodges was pronounced deceased at 12:53 a.m. by Dr. Abraham. The second male was transported to a local hospital where he remains in serious condition but is expected to live. Through witness interviews, detectives learned that a disturbance had broken out between several individuals and ended with a Black male suspect wearing a black shirt and blue jeans firing several shots from a gun and fleeing the scene.
Update: On June 24, 2021, The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force took Coolidge Humphries into custody in the Hutto area. Humphries is charged with murder – 1st degree felony with a $100,000 bond. As of 06/30/21, Humphries was still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #38:
Case: 21-1670275
Date: Wednesday, June 16, 2021, 6:48 a.m.
Location: 9036 N. Lamar Blvd.
Deceased: Hugo Geovany Martinez Morales, Hispanic male, 3/24/86 – Gunshot wound
Suspect: Unknown
Austin 911 received a call of a man down in the parking lot of the apartment complex located at 9036 N. Lamar Blvd. APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on scene and attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful. Hugo Geovany Martinez Morales was pronounced deceased at 7:07 a.m. Homicide investigators and Crime scene technicians were called to the scene to investigate. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death a gunshot wound and manner of death homicide.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #37:
Case: 21-1630114
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2021, 1:24 a.m.
Location: 400 block of E. 6th Street
Deceased: Douglas John Kantor, White male, 11/30/1995 – Gunshot wound
Arrested: De’ondre Jermirris White, Black male, 19 years of age
Initially Arrested, but later charges dropped and walked free:
Jeremiah Roshawn Leland James Tabb, Black male, 17 years of age
Juvenile, 15 years of age
Austin police responded to multiple shots fired near the 400 block of E. 6th Street. At that time, a large crowd of people began to disperse in the area. Officers initially located several victims who had sustained gunshot wounds and were injured. Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures on multiple victims. Officers transported six victims in police vehicles to the hospital. Three victims were transported in personal vehicles and Austin-Travis County EMS transported four victims to local hospitals. There were a total of 15 victims who sustained gunshot wounds or were injured. Thirteen victims are in stable condition, one victim remains in serious condition and Douglas John Kantor succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital and was pronounced deceased on Sunday, June 13, 2021 at 12:01 p.m. Through cooperating witness statements, detectives were able to identify two suspects that were involved in the incident. A 15-year-old juvenile was arrested on Saturday, June 12, 2021, and booked into Gardner-Bettes Juvenile Detention Facility for deadly conduct. On June 14, 2021, the other suspect identified as Jeremiah Roshawn Leland James Tabb, was taken into custody in the Killeen area. Tabb was charged with aggravated assault serious bodily injury, 2nd degree felony and has a $500,000 bond.
Update: APD has identified a new suspect in the June 12 homicide on 6th St. An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for 19-year-old De’ondre “Dre” White. After the shooting, White changed his appearance by cutting and dying his hair. White was interviewed by APD detectives and then returned to Killeen, Texas where he went into hiding. Although they (Tabb and Juvenile suspect) did have involvement in the shooting incident, charges against the two original suspects below have been dropped by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office.
2nd Update: De’ondre Jermirris White was taken into custody on June 24, 2021, in the Killeen area. White has been charged with Murder – 1st Degree Felony – $1 Million bond. White has been booked in the Bell County Jail. As of 6/30/21, White was still in custody in Bell County Jail.
UPDATE
“One of the men involved in my brothers MURDER is now set free without bail!
Let that sink in for a minute….
Jeramiah Tabb Drove 70 Miles from Killeen Texas to Austin with two car loads of armed gang members. Initiated a shooting and Murder on the Main street of Austin Texas in a crowd of HUNDREDS. Fled the scene with the Murder Weapon. Kept the Murder Weapon for 6 months. Attempted to sell the Murder weapon on social media. Got caught, arrested, and released on house arrest with no bail. The only charge he is faced with is evidence tampering….
Now I ask anyone willing to read this post what would you do if you were in my family situation? How would you feel? Do you even believe that there is a justice system? If there is can someone explain this in a manner that’s sensible? Could someone explain to my mother why her son is dead and the accomplice to his murder is sitting comfortably at home.
Well forgive me for my following harsh words, but over and above my brothers murderers, I blame the elected officials of Austin who DEFUNDED and continue to DEFUND the police. As well as the dismantling of the justice system and its integrity. A few months ago I was approached and did provide an interview on the Subject of The Austin Texas city counsel’s proposal of raising funding for ambulances and EMS to ADDRESS the SPIKE in shootings and stabbings. So rather than stop people from getting shot and stabbed in the first place the city’s elected officials answer is to patch them up on the scene!!!! Which begs the question would these elected officials feel the same way if it was their son, daughter, sibling laying on the ground in a pool of their own blood a thousand miles away from their loved ones dying, scared and terrified of imminent death, ALONE. Because I sincerely hope that day comes for those people who put these laws in place and caused a 96% spike in crime in Austin. I hope to see the day when the funeral services conclude and the media immediately floods their homes, work places, relatives homes to ask them questions about Austin’s progressive policies. Then we will see how anxious they are to release their loved ones murderers back onto the streets to kill more.” Read more about this story here.
There has been a noticeable trend of criminals coming from Houston to commit crimes in Austin. Same as with Killeen. Killeen has been happening, though. The Houston crime wave appears to be new. Criminal dismantling of police activist Chas Moore goes back and forth between Houston and Austin, and after all, George Floyd had created a lengthy criminal record in Houston before he went to Minneapolis. Austin has become an easy target with its lack of police presence. Everyone knows there are ignorant people with lots of money in Austin. Also, they know if they commit the crimes in Travis County, they will get no time. Huge problems are arising. Gangs will further establish territorial boundaries. Then when rival gangs come to Austin, they will be protecting their territory. This is what can be seen with the shootings in cars and on highways. Very limited information is made available to the public if at all. The last 24 hours have been the deadliest time span for Houston cops since 2019, search underway for shooter
Homicide #36:
Case: 21-1631062
Date: Saturday, June 12, 2021, 3:20 p.m.
Location: 1930 W. Rundberg Ln.
Deceased: Lidia Carapia-Hernandez, Hispanic female, D.O.B. 1/4/1971 – Gunshot wound
Arrested: Augustine Carapia-Moreno, Hispanic male, 32 years of age
APD has identified the victim in Saturday’s homicide on Rundberg Ln. as Lidia Carapia-Hernandez and the suspect as her son, Augustine Moreno. On Saturday, June 12, 2021, Austin 911 received a call saying that Lidia had been shot. Although the caller was not able to provide a good address, officers were able to find the location and discovered Lidia. She was quickly transported to a local hospital and was pronounced deceased at 4:07 p.m. The victim’s son, Augustine Moreno, was on scene. As a result of the investigation, Augustine was arrested and charged with murder.
Update: As of 06/30/21, Carapia-Moreno was still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #35:
Case: 21-1621667
Date: Friday, June 11, 2021, 10:12 p.m.
Location: 4123 Todd Lane
Deceased: Travis Ray Clements, White male, born 2/23/1986 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Anthony Ryan Lilley, White male, age 31 (died in custody)
A female called 911 reporting that she had been robbed and shot. APD officers arrived on the scene and discovered two victims, one of them being the 911 caller. The second victim was identified as Travis Ray Clements, the caller’s husband. Travis was unresponsive. APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS attempted life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful. Travis was pronounced deceased on the scene at 10:29 p.m. The couple had driven to this location along with their three children who were discovered in their vehicle. The children were taken to a family member by crisis counselors. The female victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. It was learned through the investigation that the couple had driven to this location to meet with Anthony Lilley. During that meeting, shots were fired, striking both the victims and Lilley left the scene.
Update: On June 15, 2021, Lilley was arrested on a murder warrant with a $100,000 bond. just before 7 a.m. on June 26, 31-year-old Anthony Ryan Lilley of Liberty Hill was discovered unresponsive in his cell. Staff initiated CPR and called EMS, who responded and continued CPR efforts which were ultimately unsuccessful. Lilley was pronounced dead at 7:40 a.m.
Homicide #34:
Case: 21-1510957
Date: Monday, May 31, 2021, 3:49 p.m.
Location: 2511 Greenland Ln.
Deceased: Willie McCulloch, White male, D.O.B. 3/24/1943 – Gunshot wound
Suspect: Scott McCulloch, White male, D.O.B. 12/27/1981 (Deceased – murder/suicide)
Austin 911 received a call from a female who reported that her son had shot himself. APD officers arrived on the scene and discovered two gunshot victims who were unresponsive. They were identified as Willie and Scott McCulloch, the 911 caller’s husband and son. Both victims were transported to a local hospital where they were pronounced deceased. Homicide and crime scene personnel were called to the scene to investigate. It was learned through the investigation that Scott had shot his father Willie then turned the pistol on himself. No motive has been determined.
Update: The Travis County Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy on both the victim and suspect. The cause of death for Willie was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds and the manner of death was ruled a homicide. The cause of death for Scott was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death was ruled a suicide.
Update 2: Scott lived in Austin most of his life but still missed the quiet woods of his early childhood in Dripping Springs. He entered the US Army in April of 2003 to fight the Global War on Terrorism serving honorably in Iraq for three tours of duty. He saw many atrocities there including the 2004 army mess hall bombing in Mosul, Iraq. Scott was admired by his fellow soldiers as being a brave, reliable medic and cared deeply for the Iraqi people trying to stabilize their divided country. His heart was always on his sleeve. He separated from the army in August of 2014. In recent years, Scott was living with his parents and helped his mother care for his dad who was in the last stage of Alzheimer’s. Scott was a valuable employee for Amazon working for LMTX “Last Mile” delivery service caring for his customers and would interact with his friendly customers and friendly dogs. Scott’s Pembroke Welsh Corgi misses him terribly. “Roxie” was his therapy dog who absolutely loved being adored. Credit
Donations may be made in honor of Scott McCulloch to Camp Hope in Houston, or any organization that could help veterans with PTSD. PTSD Foundation of America
Homicide #33:
Case: 21-1430419
Date: Sunday, May 23, 2021, 5:35 a.m.
Location: 9600 Blk. U.S. HWY 290
Deceased: Alejandro Martinez, Hispanic male, born 05/02/1999 – Gunshot wound
Suspects: 3 Black Males
Austin Police, Fire and EMS responded to a shots fired call at 9705 Reservoir Court and the frontage road of US HWY 290. Upon arrival, EMS personnel found a male victim who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound in a vehicle. EMS transported the victim to Dell Seton Medical Center where he remained in critical condition until he was pronounced deceased on May 26, 2021 at 3:48 p.m. Several witnesses were located and interviewed. According to one witness, an altercation had taken place inside of the Bare Cabaret Club. One of the suspects involved in the altercation was asked to leave the club. Homicide detectives believe that this suspect left the club and met up with several other individuals in a black four door sedan. The suspect and two unidentified males conducted surveillance on the club, until the other individual(s) was seen leaving. The suspects then fired multiple gunshots from their vehicle at the fleeing intended victim. Detectives believe Alejandro Martinez was an innocent bystander leaving the club at the time the drive-by shooting occurred. The intended target of this shooting fled the scene and drove the wrong way on the frontage road. It is unknown if the intended target of this shooting sustained any injuries or if his vehicle had any damage. Suspects were described as black males. The suspect’s vehicle is a black four door sedan (possibly a Honda).
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #32:
Case: 21-1400007
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021, 12:06 a.m.
Location: E. 7th St/IH 35 SB
Deceased: Kaylin Price, Hispanic female, born 3/24/2000 (Price was 16 weeks pregnant) – Gunshot wound
Arrested: Juvenile, 15 years of age, Currently being held at Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center.
Austin 911 received several shots fired calls at East 7th Street and IH 35 SB under the bridge. APD officers arrived on scene and discovered blood near the area where shots had been fired and several cartridge cases. Officers did not locate any victims or injured persons at the scene. Shortly after, Austin 911 received a call regarding shooting victims located at West 18th Street and Colorado Street. Upon arrival, APD officers located two victims. A 21 year old unresponsive Hispanic female, later identified as Kaylin Price was found in the back seat of a dark sedan suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Austin-Travis County E.M.S. arrived on scene and performed life saving measures that were unsuccessful. Price was pronounced deceased on the scene at 12:19 a.m. by Dr. Thompson. The second victim, a male who suffered a non-life threatening gunshot wound to the leg, was transported to a local hospital. Homicide detectives and crime scene technicians investigated and processed the scenes. Several witnesses were located and interviewed. Witnesses described a known 15 year old suspect that fired gunshots from the passenger side of a car, and fled the scene after a disturbance had occurred. Further investigation revealed, that the 15 year old suspect had shot Price and the male victim. After the shooting occurred, friends of Price attempted to drive her to a local hospital. When they were unable to find the hospital, they stopped at W. 18th Street and Colorado St. and called 911. Price was also pregnant at the time of her death. Detectives have charged the 15 year old suspect with Murder. The suspect was arrested and subsequently booked into the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center.
Update: Suspect is presumed to be still in custody in Juvenile Detention.
Homicide #31:
Case: 21-1351687
Date: Saturday, May 15, 2021, 10:53 p.m.
Location: 4511 Little Hill Circle
Deceased: Marvin Getrelle “Binky” Henson, Black male, D.O.B. 7-12-72 – Gunshot wound
Suspects: Unknown
Austin 911 received a call reporting shots fired in the 4500 block of Little Hill Circle. Officers arrived and found an unresponsive male who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene at 11:15 p.m. Investigators learned that the victim had left a friend’s house and was walking on the street when he was approached by unknown suspects. Some type of verbal altercation was heard prior to shots being fired. Homicide investigators are following leads to identify the suspects. This case is ongoing and still under investigation.
Update: Suspect still not identified.
Homicide #30:
Case: 21-1260932
Date: May 5, 2021, 1 p.m.
Location: 5200 block Tower Trail
Deceased: Rigo Dominguez, Hispanic male, born 09/14/04 – Gunshot wound
Arrested: 16 year-old Hispanic male
APD Homicide Unit is investigating a homicide that occurred on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 1 p.m. in the 5200 block of Tower Trail. On Thursday, May 6, 2021, at approximately 12:23 p.m. two concerned citizens came to APD to report knowledge of a homicide that had occurred the previous day. They told homicide detectives that a known 16 yo Hispanic male had shot and killed another 16 year-old Hispanic male during a drug transaction. The suspect drove the victim in the victim’s vehicle to 5600 FM 3481 in Harker Heights, Texas. The suspect placed the victim in the trunk of the vehicle and then abandoned the vehicle. Austin Police Homicide detectives notified the Bell County Sherriff’s Office (BCSO) of where to search for the vehicle. BCSO located the vehicle and the victim. The victim is identified as Rigo Dominguez. Homicide detectives were able to positively identify the 16 yo suspect and obtain a murder warrant for his arrest. The juvenile suspect was taken into custody on May 6, 2021 in the 1600 block of E. Parmer Lane. The juvenile suspect was booked into Gardner-Betts Juvenile Detention Facility for the murder warrant. On May 8, 2021, The Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences At Dallas conducted an autopsy and determined the official cause of death was gunshot wound to the neck and the manner of death was homicide.
Update: Suspect is presumed to be still in custody in Juvenile Detention.
Homicide #29:
Case: 21-1221645
Date: Sunday, May 2, 2021, 9:41 p.m.
Location: 600 block Neches St (East alley)
Deceased: Christopher Bowser, Black male, born 07/30/1997 – Gunshot wound
Arrested: Blake Washington, Black male, 56 years of age
911 received a report that someone had been shot in the east alley of 6th Street and Neches Street. When APD officers arrived they observed a subject laying in the alley with an obvious gunshot wound who was later identified as Christopher Bowser. Investigators learned that the shooting incident was captured on video. Investigators were able to track the suspect via video to a tent located at 4th and IH-35. The suspect, identified as Blake Washington, was detained while coming out of a tent. Homicide detectives identified and interviewed several witnesses to the shooting. Blake Washington was positively identified as the suspect by witnesses. Detectives initially filed a charge for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon – 2nd Degree Felony on Washington. On May 3, 2021 at 4:16 p.m. the victim, Christopher Bowser was pronounced clinically deceased. On May 6, 2021, Detectives filed the additional charge of Murder – 1st Degree, $500,000 dollar bond on Washington.
Update: As of 06/30/21 Washington is still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #28:
Case: 21-1191167
Date: April 29, 2021, 6:51 p.m.
Location: 2000 block of E. Slaughter Lane (Goodnight Commons Apartments)
Deceased: Eshmell Arath Mendez, Hispanic male, 9/1/2001
Arrested: Jeremiah Crayton, Black male, 18 years of age
911 received a call reporting that someone had been shot at the Goodnight Commons Apartments. Upon arrival, officer discovered the victim, later identified as Eshmell Mendez, lying on the floor of an apartment. Mr. Mendez was pronounced deceased on scene.
The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Mendez was inside the apartment visiting friends when the suspect, Jeremiah Crayton, knocked at the door. One of the residents opened the door at which time Crayton pulled a pistol from his jacket pocket and shot Eshmell Mendez. Jeremiah Crayton fled the scene in a silver, four-door sedan.
Update: an arrest warrant was issued on April 30, 2021. Jeremiah Crayton was taken into custody by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force without incident. His bond has been set at $250,000. As of 06/29/21, Crayton was still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #27:
Case: 21-1151073
Date: Sunday, April 25, 2021, 5:26 p.m.
Location: 8105 Research Blvd.
Deceased: Juan Carlos Cruz, Hispanic male, born 03/15/2006 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Gregorio Vences-Benitez, Hispanic male, 18 years of age
Austin 911 received a call that a male subject was shot in the parking lot of a mobile home park located at 8105 Research Blvd. APD officers and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on scene. Medical personnel attempted life-saving measures, but despite best efforts Juan Carlos Cruz succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased at 5:50 p.m. by Dr. Pickett. Through witness statements it was reported that the Gregorio Vences-Benitez fled the scene prior to officers arriving.
Update: On April 27, 2021, Vences-Benitez was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into jail for the following warrant: murder, 1st degree felony, $500,000 dollar bond. As of 06/29/21, Vences-Benitez was still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicides #24-26:
Case: 21-1080710
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021, 11:42 a.m.
Location: Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway
Deceased: Amanda Broderick, Hispanic female, 7/17/1985 – Gunshot wounds
Alyssa Marie Broderick, Hispanic female, 12/16/2003 – Gunshot wounds
Willie Simmons III, Black male, 1/1/2003 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Stephen Nicholas Broderick, Black male, 41 years of age
911 received multiple calls about shots fired at Great Hills Trail and Rain Creek Parkway in northwest Austin. The initial call was received as an active shooter near 9600 Great Hills Trail. Upon arrival, Austin Police Department (APD) officers located three victims that had been shot lying near two vehicles that appeared to have been involved in a crash. All three people, were pronounced deceased on scene. Information gathered from witnesses indicated that the parties were known to one another and law enforcement were able to quickly identify Stephen Broderick, Amanda Broderick’s former husband, as the suspect. The investigation revealed that Ms. Broderick and the suspect were meeting for a scheduled visit with their son when the collision occurred, and Mr. Broderick fired shots, killing all three victims, before fleeing the scene. The couple’s son, who was present during the shooting, but physically unharmed, was later located away from the scene where he was turned over to APD officers.
Update: On April 19, 2021, Travis County Sheriff’s Office deputies took Mr. Broderick into custody in the 12300 block of Kimbro Road. Broderick was transported to Travis County Jail where he is facing charges for Capital Murder. As of 06/29/21, Broderick was still in custody in Travis County Jail.
According to the Texas Rangers and Travis County court records, Broderick is a former Travis County Sheriff’s detective and was charged with sexual assault of a child in June 2020. At that time, he had paid a money bond to be released on charges related to sexual assault against a child just days after his arrest and resigned from the sheriff’s office.
Homicide #23:
Case: 21-1041315
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2021, 7:24 p.m.
Location: 9414 N. Lamar Blvd.
Deceased: Kedarius Griffin, Black male, 18 years of age – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Warren Mitchell, Black male, 21 years of age
Arrested: Cornelius Cooks, Black male, 22 years of age
Austin 911 received a call about shots fired near the McDonald’s located at 9414 N. Lamar Blvd. Officers arrived on scene and observed a gray colored sedan that appeared to have crashed into other vehicles that were parked in the parking lot. Officers also observed a Black male subject laying on the ground, near the driver’s door of the gray sedan, with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at 7:36 p.m. by Dr. Escott. The preliminary investigation shows that three Black male suspects were involved in a disturbance with Griffin and several shots were fired. The suspects then left the scene in a red sedan. Investigators are working to identify the three suspects. There was a pregnant adult female passenger, three juvenile passengers, and a two-year-old toddler passenger in Griffin’s car at the time of the shooting. None of the passengers were injured. A clear motive has not been determined.
Update: The first suspect in this case was identified as Warren Mitchell. Mitchell was arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on April 23, 2021. He is charged with murder, a 1st degree felony and the bond was set at $500k. The second suspect Cornelius Cooks, was arrested in the 2900 block of West Anderson Lane on 5/4/21. He’s been booked into the Travis County Jail with a $300,000.00 bond and has been charged with murder. As of 06/29/21, both suspects were still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #22:
Case: 21-0960013
Date: Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 12:26 a.m.
Location: 7330 Bluff Springs Rd.
Deceased: Ramesh Thapa, Asian male, born 08/14/1981 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Francois O’Neal, Black male, 23 years of age
Austin 911 received a call about a male subject that had been shot in the parking lot of the apartment complex located at 7330 Bluff Springs Rd. Austin-Travis County EMS and APD officers arrived on the scene. Despite life savings efforts, the victim succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at 12:49 a.m. by Dr. Escott. According to witnesses, the suspect was seen leaving the apartment complex in a white four-door sedan. Homicide detectives were able to identify a suspect, Francois O’Neal. O’Neal was found with a weapon in his possession that matched the ballistics to the murder scene. The ballistics also matched shell casings recovered from a shooting that occurred on April 5, 2021, just 24 hours earlier at 12820 N. Lamar Blvd. The victim’s shooting injuries in that case were not life threatening.
Update: On April 7, 2021, arrest warrants were obtained on O’Neal for first degree felony murder and second degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon – serious bodily injury. O’Neal was arrested later that same evening. As of 06/29/21, O’Neal was still in custody in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #21:
Case: 21-0920496
Date: Friday, April 2, 2021, 8:16 a.m.
Location: 12113 Dessau Road
Deceased: Jorge Jaimes, Hispanic male, born 11/12/1992 – Aggravated Assault, Serious Bodily Injury
Arrested: William Eugene Colvin III, Black male, 35 year of age
Austin 9-1-1 received a call for an unresponsive male located at 12113 Dessau Road. Austin-Travis County EMS and APD officers responded to the residence. The subject was pronounced deceased at 8:30 a.m. by Dr. Escott and was identified as Jorge Jaimes.
During witness interviews, investigators learned that the previous night, Mr. Jaimes and friends were together at Club Chicas Bonitas, located at 3701 N IH 35 Svrd NB. A physical altercation began inside the club and Mr. Jaimes attempted to intervene and prevent the subjects from fighting. Mr. Jaimes was struck at least once, by a then unidentified male suspect. It was reported Mr. Jaimes fell to the ground and was unconscious. After regaining consciousness, Mr. Jaimes refused on scene medical assistance from Austin-Travis County EMS, and left with his friends returning to their residence. Mr. Jaimes was discovered deceased in his bed the following morning. Although the final ruling is pending toxicology, APD is investigating this incident as a Homicide.
Update: On April 6, 2021, Homicide detectives issued an arrest warrant for William Eugene Colvin III for Aggravated Assault, Serious Bodily Injury, 2nd Degree Felony, $250,000 bond. On April 7, 2021, Colvin was taken into custody by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force. As of 6/29/21, Colvin is still in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #20:
Case: 21-0900178
Date: Wednesday, March 31, 2021, 2:43 a.m.
Location: 9715 N FM 620
Deceased: Natalia Monet Cox, Black female, Born 11/17/1999 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Unknown
911 received several calls from an apartment complex located at 9715 N FM 620. Callers reported what sounded like a door being kicked in. They also reported hearing several gunshots, a woman screaming and hearing someone running, followed by a car leaving in a hurry. APD Officers arrived on scene and observed that the front door to an apartment appeared to have been forced open. Officers entered the apartment to clear it and found a female in one of the bedrooms with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to her body. The female was unresponsive. Officers began to administer lifesaving measures until Austin-Travis County EMS arrived. EMS assessed the victim but unfortunately she was pronounced deceased at 3:04 a.m.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #19:
Case: 21-0870849
Date: Sunday, March 28, 2021, 11:36 a.m.
Location: 11105 N. IH-35 Svrd (WoodSpring Suites Austin)
Deceased: Brandon Williams, Black male, 12/10/1980 – Gunshot wound
Suspect: Hispanic male
Austin 911 received a report of man who’d been shot inside a room at the WoodSpring Suites Austin. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male, later identified as Brandon Williams, with gunshot wounds. A witness on scene reported hearing gunshots and seeing the suspect flee the area immediately following. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, mid-height, last seen wearing black pants and jacket, a baseball cap and red shoes. Investigators learned that the suspect was at the hotel to deliver marijuana to the victim. A dispute over the drugs is believed to have been the cause of the altercation.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #18:
Case: 21-0861217
Date: Saturday, March 27, 2021, 4:55 p.m.
Location: 6600 block of Bradley Dr.
Deceased: Thang Tin Uk, Asian male, 3/3/2001 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Hispanic male
Austin 911 received a call of shots fired in the area of the 6600 block of Bradley Dr. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male, later identified as Thang Tin Uk, in the driver’s seat of a crashed black, 2013 Audi. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots before seeing a Hispanic male flee from the Audi. The motive for this shooting appears to be drug related.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #17:
Case: 21-0840729
Date: Thursday, March 25, 2021, 12:18 p.m.
Location: 1109 Kenyon Drive
Deceased: Garrett Gamond Hill, White male, born 05/04/1997 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Black male, mid 20s
Austin 911 received a call of shots fired at 1109 Kenyon Drive. Upon arrival officers discovered 23-year-old Garrett Gamond-Hill had been shot. Austin-Travis County EMS attempted life saving measures, but were unable to save Mr. Gamond-Hill. He was pronounced deceased on the scene at 12:27 p.m. by Dr. Escott. On scene witnesses stated that an unknown suspect rang the doorbell to the residence. Mr. Gamond-Hill answered the door and was shot after having a short conversation with the suspect. The suspect was described as a black male, thin build, mid 20s, wearing a dark hoody. The suspect was seen fleeing the scene in a black sedan.
Update: Suspect still not identified.
Homicide #16:
Case: 21-0810750
Date: Monday, March 22, 2021, 1:13 p.m.
Location: 11901 Pavilion Blvd.
Deceased: Patrick Renda, White male, 2/23/1997 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: White Male
Austin 911 received a call of shots fired in an apartment unit located at 11901 Pavilion Blvd. Upon arrival, Austin police and Austin-Travis County EMS personnel discovered a male and female with gunshot wounds. EMS attempted life-saving measures on the male, later identified at Patrick Renda, but he succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased on scene at 1:32 p.m. The woman was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. She was treated and released. Nearby residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing a White male, wearing a black jacket and black pants, flee northbound on foot through the parking lot immediately following the incident. The motive for this shooting appears to be drug related.
Update: Suspect still not identified.
Homicide #15:
Case: 21-0801097
Date: Sunday, March 21, 2021, 5:18 p.m.
Location: 2209 E. Riverside Drive
Deceased: Christopher Ray Martinez, Hispanic male, 8/17/1980 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Christian Perez-Morales, Hispanic male, 20 years of age
On Sunday, March 21, 2021 at approximately 5:18 a.m., Austin 911 received a report of shots fired at 2209 E. Riverside Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered 40-year-old Christopher Ray Martinez with gunshot wounds. Investigators interviewed several eyewitnesses and learned the suspect fled the scene following the shooting. The motive for this shooting appears to be anger and jealousy over a woman in whom both men had a romantic interest.
UPDATE: Christian Perez-Morales is the main suspect and still at large.
Family of homicide victim Christopher Ray Martinez are outside @Austin_Police HQ as Martinez’s mother prepares to ask for the public’s help to find his killer. @cbsaustin pic.twitter.com/PFErG0iTSJ
— Jordan Bontke (@JBontkeCBS) May 25, 2021
Homicide #14:
Case: 21-0770196
Date: Thursday, March 18, 2021, 3:33 a.m.
Location: 106 Oertli Lane
Deceased: Danny Mendoza, Hispanic male, Born 11/23/1992 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Manuel Vilchis, Hispanic male, 22 years of age (arrested 3/31/21)
Investigators learned the suspect, victim and woman had been drinking inside the residence when an argument occurred. The two men went outside where shots were fired. The victim fell to the ground and the suspect fled the scene in Ford F150 crew cab. Vilchis was arrested on 3/31/21.
Update: Vilchis is no longer in Travis County Jail. He bonded out of jail in May 2021.
Homicide #13:
Case: 21-0730256
Date: Sunday, March 14, 2021, 4:13 a.m.
Location: 621 E. 7th St. (Club Swing)
Deceased: Jorian Donte Hardeway, Black male, born 1-24-97 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Adriean Dewayne Benn, Black male, 22
On Sunday, March 14, 2021, Austin 911 received a call of a shooting at Club Swing located at 621 E 7th St. Austin Police and Austin-Travis County EMS arrived on the scene and located Jorian Donte Hardeway inside the club with apparent gunshot wounds. Motive is unknown.
Update: Adriean Dewayne Benn is charged with murder for the fatal shooting of Jorian Hardeway at Swing Hookah Lounge. He is still in custody in Travis County Jail as of 06/29/21.
Homicide #12:
Case: 21-0591664
Date: Sunday, February 28, 2021, 11:36 p.m.
Location: 800 block of W St. Johns Ave
Victim: Marcel Tramon Pimpton | Black male | 7/28/1993 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Michael Wayne Butler, Black male, 27 years of age
Kieren Eric Dewayne McGowan, Black male, 22 years of age
Sammie Ray Spencer, Black male, 24 years of age
Tarell Deshawn Manson, Black male, 24 years of age
At approximately 11:36 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2021, Austin 911 received a report of shots fired in apartment complex: Midtown Commons at Crestview Station Apartments, near the intersection of West St. John’s Avenue and North Lamar Boulevard in North Austin in the 800 block of W. St. Johns Avenue. Officers arrived and found a blood trail leading them back to Pimpton. Despite life-saving measures from both APD and ATCEMS personnel, Pimpton succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The motive for the shooting is not yet known.
Update: The four men listed were arrested 04/22/21 and charged with Capital Murder in connection with the shooting death of Marcel Pimpton.
Update: As of 06/29/21, 3 of the suspects were still listed in Travis County Jail; however, Kieren McGowan was not.
Homicide #11:
Case: Unk
Date: Monday, February 15, 2021, 6:06 p.m.
Location: 7000 block of Tonka Lane
Victim: Isabella Rios | Hispanic female 2/3/2019 – Blunt Force trauma to the head
Arrested: Bernadette Hernandez, Hispanic female 37, and Ramiro Recio, Hispanic Male, 33 (arrested 6-17-21)
2-year-old Isabella Rios was found by first responders seizing and struggling to breathe in Southeast Austin. She died 3 days later. The Travis County Medical Examiner’s office conducted an autopsy on the child and discovered her death was caused by blunt force trauma and ruled her death a homicide.
Update: Two suspects, mentioned above, were arrested on 06/17/21 for the murder of Isabella Rios. As of 6/29/21, both suspects were not listed as inmates, in the Travis County Jail.
Background: According to police, Recio and Hernandez are guardians of Isabella and her three-year-old brother and had been since June/July of 2020. Texas Child Protective Services (CPS) was aware of this arrangement. Online jail records from Travis County show both suspects have a $150,000 bond. They were both arrested on Tonka Lane by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force on June 17. Neither have attorneys listed online. This suggests that a radical anti-ICE/pro-sanctuary city organization may have assisted with their pro-bono legal defense.
Recio and Hernandez gave emergency responders and law enforcement officers different stories about what happened to Isabella throughout the investigation, court documents said. After the couple called 911 to report Isabella having trouble breathing and possibly having seizures, Austin Fire Department personnel said they saw the girl was “pale green,” and that she looked “thin and malnourished.”
Ring video footage revealed as they were all trekking up to the home in the inches of snow and ice on the ground, Hernandez and Recio refused to help the girl as she fell and tripped several times.
“At no time do [Recio] or [Hernandez] help her in the deep snow, up the steep slope of the yard. Also, at no point in time, does Isabella hit her head,” the affidavits read.
Hernandez and Recio’s stories were relayed back to pediatricians and doctors who took care of Isabella. They told police “the story of an accidental fall was not consistent whatsoever with the nature of Isabella’s injury,” according to court documents.
Detectives pointed out in the affidavits “there was still no claim Isabella’s head had ever made contact with the ground or any foreign object.”
On Feb. 22, investigators were notified the second child in Hernandez and Recio’s care, Isabella’s 3-year-old brother, was also found to have “a skull fracture” and unexplained bruises. These injuries were examined by doctors in San Antonio, after Recio handed the brother over to an uncle’s care on Feb. 16. CPS would take custody of the brother after then, the affidavits said.
The brother’s injuries to his head were in the same area as Isabella’s skull fractures, according to the affidavit. Doctors also determined the brother had been hurt by a “blunt impact to the head,” same as the sister, according to court documents.
Hernandez had custody of the girl and her brother since 2020, after the biological parents had run-ins with CPS in their hometown of Corpus Christi, according to court documents.
Until the investigation into Isabella’s injuries and death, CPS was unaware that Recio, Hernandez’s elderly uncle and grandfather all lived in the home with Hernandez and the two children as well, according to the affidavits. Were they in the U.S. illegally?
“[Hernandez] had not reported the others in her home, and it would appear that she had them all leave during CPS home visits,” court documents read. Were the children used to gain U.S. benefits and services to those deemed in care of said children?
KXAN has reached out to multiple agencies to learn how Hernandez got custody of the two children.
Homicide #10:
Case: 21-0471406
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 5:56 p.m.
Location: Cameron Road and McKie Drive
Victim: Misael Sanchez | Hispanic male | 11/18/1991 – Stabbing
Suspect: Christopher Michael Garcia, Hispanic male, 17
Austin 911 received a report of two Hispanic males, estimated to be in their 20’s, fighting with Misael Sanchez at Cameron Road and McKie Drive. The caller relayed that Mr. Sanchez had been stabbed by one of the men before both fled in a blue sedan. They were last seen driving northbound on Cameron Road.
Update: APD received a call from a woman identifying herself as Blanca, the mother of Garcia – who she says killed Sanchez. Blanca corroborated information police were previously told and provided an odd text exchange she’d had with her son the previous day. Garcia was arrested Tuesday, Feb. 23 and booked into the Travis County Jail on a first-degree felony homicide charge.
Garcia was indicted on 5/10/21, but was not located in the Travis County Jail records on 6/29/21.
Background: APD received a call from a woman identifying herself as the mother of Garcia – who she says killed Sanchez. The woman corroborated information police were previously told and provided an odd text exchange she’d had with Garcia the previous day.
She said around 6:40 p.m. – three minutes after Sanchez was pronounced dead- she’d received a text from Garcia reading, “Luv u mom,” in addition to another reading, “just inxace” and a Facebook message reading “Luv u.” She gave police a screenshot of this exchange, which she said was strange, because she and her son don’t have a good relationship.
She told police she met with one of her son’s friends who told her he’d received a photo from Garcia of Sanchez that police believe was taken moments after being stabbed. Another friend of Garcia messaged Blanca to tell her they had received a photo of a dead person from her son.
The mother’s long morning came to a head just before noon, when she told police she received another Facebook message from her son: “I killed Flaco.” She gave the police that screenshot, too.
About five days later, police got the woman to agree to record a conversation with Garcia. Here, police say, the sequence of events came into view. According to the recording, Garcia said he and Sanchez, or “Flaco,” had been hanging out that afternoon, and arguments over synthetic marijuana escalated. Garcia said he refused to help Sanchez smoke because he would “start causing problems.”
After several refusals and verbal sparring, Garcia said the two began fighting. On the recorded conversation with his mother, Garcia reportedly recounted warning Sanchez that he was “straight stabbing people today.” But the warning, Garcia said, ran out when Sanchez hit Garcia’s vehicle with the rocks and a fire extinguisher.
At this point, Garcia was joined by a friend, who Garcia says pointed a gun at Sanchez and warned him that he’d shoot. The fight, however, continued, with the other man reportedly hitting Sanchez with the gun and scuffling on the ground.
Eventually, Garcia said, he ran toward Sanchez and stabbed him in the side. Garcia said he stabbed him again after he fell.
Homicide #9:
Case: 21-0470272
Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2021, 6:46 a.m.
Location: 4200 block of S. IH-35 Svrd SB
Victim: Amanda Morris | White female | 4/11/1975 – Trauma
Arrested: Michael Wells | White male | 44 years of age
At approximately 6:46 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, Austin 911 received a call from a man who reported that his wife, later identified as Amanda Morris, was deceased. Michael Wells told the dispatcher that he had been the one who killed her. Upon arrival, officers entered the hotel room where the suspect and victim were staying and found Ms. Morris with obvious trauma to her body. Michael Wells surrendered himself into police custody without incident.
Update: As of 6/29/21, Wells is still in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #8:
Case: 21-0370304
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2021, 5:39 a.m.
Location: 7100 block of N. IH-35 Svrd SB
Victim: Rafael Solorzano Sanchez | Hispanic male | 11/4/1998 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Black male suspect
Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim, Rafael Solorzano, inside a white Ford SUV that appeared to have crashed into a chain-link fence. …spoke with witnesses who reported a Black male suspect, pictured below, shooting into the victim’s vehicle as it traveled through the Denny’s/Motel 6 parking lot.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #7:
Case: 21-0340496
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 11:09 a.m.
Location: 2201 Willow Creek Dr.
Deceased: Ramon Patino Munoz, Hispanic Male, DOB 01/29/1967– Gunshot wounds
Suspects: 3 Black Males
APD officers arrived on the scene and located a green-colored four door car that had crashed. The vehicle was occupied by a Hispanic male who was seated in the driver’s seat. The male appeared to have been shot and was pronounced deceased on scene at 11:17 a.m. During the investigation, it was discovered that three Black male suspects had fled in a blue SUV. These suspects were believed to be committing armed robberies in the area throughout the day, which culminated in this homicide.
Homicide #6:
Case: 21-0331139
Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2021, 7:48 p.m.
Location: 6103 Manor Road
Victim: Raymond Carl Young, Black Male, 56 years of age – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Unknown
APD Officers arrived on scene and a male on the ground with an obvious gunshot wound. APD said on Thursday witnesses reported seeing a man running from the area and shooting at the same time, but police haven’t been able to confirm that yet. Police believe the motive for this murder was robbery.
Update: Suspect still not identified
Homicide #5:
Case: 21-0291379
Date: Friday, 29 January 2021, 9:04 p.m.
Location: 1126 Mearns Meadow
Deceased: Jose Franklin Rodriguez, Hispanic male, born 10/12/01 – Gunshot wound
Suspect: Lashell Tynek Linton, Black female, 22 years of age
APD Officers arrived on scene and found a Hispanic male shot while seated in a vehicle that night in the 1100 block of Mearns Meadow Boulevard, near Quail Creek Neighborhood Park. Austin-Travis County EMS tried to save his life, but he was pronounced dead on scene. Witnesses at the scene advised hearing an argument and seeing a struggle inside the victim’s vehicle. They then heard several gunshots and saw multiple subjects fleeing the scene. A tan or silver 4-door sedan, possibly a Toyota or Infiniti, was seen leaving the area of the victim’s car just after the shooting. At this time robbery is believed to be a motive in this murder.
UPDATE: APD has identified and arrested 22-year-old Lashell Tynek Linton for the murder of Jose Franklin Rodriguez. On May 29, 2021, Grand Prairie P.D. arrested Lashell Linton with this outstanding warrant and transported her to the Dallas County Jail. Linton remains in custody on a $250,000 dollar bond.
Homicide #4:
Case: 21-0260937
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 4:29 p.m.
Location: 1912 W 35th St.
Victim: Dr. Katherine Lindley Dodson, White, 43-year-old female, 6/30/1977 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect/Deceased: Dr. Bharat Narumanchi, Indian male, 8/10/1977
The caller reported that a male subject entered their place of business, a doctor’s office, with a gun and was holding hostages inside. Homicide investigators were called out to investigate and process the scene. It appeared that Dr. Narumanchi shot himself after shooting Dr. Dodson.
Background: After a hostage standoff in Central Austin that ended with two people dead, Austin police identified pediatrician Bharat Narumanchi as the man behind the incident.
What happened during this Austin hostage situation?
Police say a 911 call was made at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday about a man inside an office who was holding hostages. Officers were dispatched to Children’s Medical Group office, where five employees were inside.
Katherine Lindley Dodson, a pediatrician in Austin, Texas, was killed at her office Jan. 26. Police said no patients or children were present. Eventually, some of those employees were able to leave.
“Several hostages initially escaped and others were later allowed to leave with the exception of Dr. Katherine Dodson,” police said in a written statement.
Among those who escaped was Narumanchi pointed a gun at her and a co-worker.
“He pointed his gun at my co-worker and told her to go get the doctor … and then he points the gun at me and tells me to go lock the front door,” said Victoria Ishaak.
The former hostages told police that Narumanchi had entered the office armed with a pistol, a shotgun and carrying two duffel bags.
After police tried to communicate and reach people inside the office for several hours, a mobile robot with a camera was sent inside and spotted the body of at least one person. The police SWAT team breached the building and discovered two bodies.Investigators think Narumanchi shot himself after shooting Dodson.
Did Lindley Dodson know Bharat Narumanchi?
Narumanchi is not known to have any connection to Dodson. However, according to some of the hostages, Narumanchi previously applied for a volunteer position at the offices a week ago. A staff member says Dodson did not come into contact with Narumanchi at that time. Dodson operated her practice with several other doctors.
During a Wednesday news conference, police said Narumanchi was also a pediatrician who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and had been given weeks to live.
“Other than the previously mentioned visit to this office there did not appear to be any relation or other contact between Dr. Dodson and Dr. Narumanchi,” police said.
Was Bharat Narumanchi a practicing pediatrician?
According to online employment records, Naramanchi practiced primarily in Southern California, most recently at Providence Health Services.
Dr. Bharat Narumanchi died in Austin Tuesday January 26, 2021 after a standoff with Austin police at a local pediatric clinic. Austin police say Narumanchi took another doctor hostage before killing her and himself.
Records show he was licensed to practice medicine in Oklahoma, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Florida and California.
Narumanchi completed his pediatric residency training at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Before then, he attended St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada.
Does Bharat Narumanchi have a criminal history?
In 2012, Narumanchi was charged with domestic abuse in Hawaii, and the case was later dismissed, court records show. The records detail a contentious child custody battle between Narumanchi and his ex-wife.
In one court filing, Narumanchi described his ex-wife as “a hapless person from her childhood,” who “decided to marry me, a born U.S. citizen and
thus gain what she coveted and dreamt of — the U.S. citizenship that eluded her when she lived in the U.S. as a student.”
Public records show Narumanchi lived in several states. It’s unclear why he was in Austin, online records show that he has family in the area.
What do those who knew him say?
Obstetrician H. Joseph Khan worked with Narumanchi at Paramount Care Medical Group in Santa Ana, Calif., before the pediatrician came to Austin six months ago.
“He wanted to be close to his (family) and he also was suffering from some kind of health condition,” Khan told Josh Peter of the USA Today Network.
Witnesses at the Austin hostage standoff told police that Narumanchi told them he had cancer.
Khan said Narumanchi told him he sought treatment for cancer at UCLA and that he was unaware of any history of psychological problems and sign he was taking medication.
Upon learning about the incident, Khan said he was “shocked.”
“He does not look like a serial killer. I read on the Internet that he had a gun. I think he’s not that type,” Khan said.
He also was unaware of any connection Narumanchi might have had with Dosdon.
Khan said Narumanchi worked on and off at the clinic “for some time,” but less than a year. Narumanchi once came to Khan’s house, he said.
“I don’t think he would hurt anybody. I’d feel safe talking to him,” Khan said. “The main reason he left is he was suffering from this illness
and he wanted to be close to his family.’’
With his illness, Narumanchi thought they would take care of him, Khan said. “And he said when he got better he was going to come back.”
“I”m very sorry. I’m very, very shocked,” he said. “I don’t know how I’m working today.”
Homicide #3:
Case: 21-0221605
Date: Friday, January 22, 2021, 10:14 p.m.
Location: 4600 Elmont Dr.
Deceased: Adrian Lamar Haynes, Black male, born 4/4/2000 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Roger Chimney, Black male, 21 years old
APD officers arrived on scene and found two male subjects that had been shot while seated in a vehicle. The suspect was not on scene. It was learned during the investigation that the two victims had been contacted by the suspect, who wished to purchase a small amount of marijuana. The suspect arrived to purchase the marijuana and at one point during the meeting shot both victims and left the scene. The suspect was identified as Roger Chimney.
Chimney is in custody at the Travis County Jail and has a bond set at $1 million, according to U.S. Marshals.
Update: As of 6/29/21, Chimney is still in Travis County Jail.
Homicide #2:
Case: 21-0181335
Date: Monday, January 18, 2021, 10:02 p.m.
Location: 5000 Brighton Road
Deceased: Travis Springer, Black Male, born 10/10/1991 – Gunshot wounds
Suspect: Unknown
The caller reported that he took his brother to 5000 Brighton Road to purchase marijuana. The caller stated that after his brother walked into the residence, he heard gunshots coming from inside the house. The caller reported that he then left, but quickly returned to the residence and went inside to check on his brother who he found unresponsive, with apparent gunshot wounds. The residents of the house had left the scene. Upon arrival, APD officers were approached by one of the residents of 5000 Brighton Road, who returned to the scene, and told officers that he shot the victim.
Update: While the report states that one resident told the officers that he shot the victim, there was no information provided on the suspect. Suspect still not identified
Homicide #1:
Case: 21-0110053
Date: Monday, January 11, 2021, 1:37 a.m.
Location: 7000 block of Grand Canyon Drive
Deceased: Matthew Bocard | Black male | February 13, 1989 – Gunshot wounds
Arrested: Gabriel Bell, Black Male, age 32 (arrested 1-22-21, but murder charges dismissed on 4-16-21 pending further investigation)
While on scene, officers learned that the shooting occurred in the 7000 block of Grand Canyon Drive. The area was secured and homicide detectives and crime scene personnel arrived to process evidence at both locations. The motive for the shooting is unknown at this time and investigators are seeking witnesses.
Update: U.S. Marshals, along with the Austin Police Department, arrested Gabriel Bell, in connection with this murder. Bell was arrested on first-degree murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing 31-year-old Matthew Bocard in the 7000 block of Grand Canyon Drive on Jan. 11. According to an arrest affidavit, the man is suspected of getting into a fight with Bocard over stolen auto parts. U.S. Marshals said he was arrested on Jan. 22 in the 4300 block of South Congress Avenue. He has been booked into the Travis County Jail and is being held on a $1 million bond.
NOTE: KXAN received information from the Travis County district court that the murder charge against the man had been dismissed April 16, 2021 pending further investigation.
Detectives are asking anyone with information or video of any unresolved incidents to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS, email, utilize the Crime Stoppers tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), or the Crime Stoppers app. Detectives are continuing to seek out witnesses. You may remain anonymous. Information leading to an arrest may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android. Remember, the majority of the suspects are still at large. Please help keep our community safe.
