Case:                        24-2951213
 
Date:                        October 21, 2024
 
Time:                        6:01 p.m.
 
Location:                  1501 East Howard Lane (Bridge at Harris Ridge Apartments)
 
Victim (deceased):   Za’Riyah Sheffield, Black female, 02/20/2008

Suspect (arrested):  Juvenile male
 
On Monday, October 21, 2024, at approximately 6:01 p.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to multiple calls reporting a shooting at the Bridge at Harris Ridge Apartments located at 1501 East Howard Lane. Callers reported that someone was shot and provided a description of the suspect. When officers arrived on the scene, they located a victim, later identified as Za’Riyah Sheffield, with apparent gunshot wounds. Sheffield was pronounced deceased on the scene at 6:09 p.m. 

Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. The investigation showed that a 16-year-old male had accused the victim of simply looking at him. The verbal disturbance escalated into the suspect shooting and killing Sheffield in the parking lot of the apartments, and then fleeing on foot. He later returned to the area and was arrested by officers.

The suspect has been booked and charged with first-degree murder.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS. You may submit your tip anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or by calling 512-472-8477. A reward up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.
 
This case is being investigated as Austin's 54th homicide of 2024.