Case:  25-0040285
 
Date:  Saturday, January 4, 2025
 
Time:  3:50 a.m.
 
Location:  1704 Nelms Drive
 
Deceased victim:  Unknown male
 
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, at approximately 3:50 a.m., Austin Police Department (APD) officers responded to reports of a fire at a transient camp in the green belt area near 1704 Nelms Drive. Officers and Austin Fire Department (AFD) firefighters arrived and located the fire that had consumed a tent. Within that area, they located the body of a clearly deceased male, and he was pronounced deceased on scene at 5:03 a.m.

Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. The victim has not yet been identified but is a White or Hispanic male who was homeless and possibly had the nickname “JT.” The investigation is on-going, but the APD Homicide unit is asking for assistance in identifying the victim and any information on possible suspects of the murder. The autopsy the next day revealed that the victim had trauma to his body. The cause of death was ruled a homicide and the manner of death, sharp force injuries. The fire is believed to have been an attempt to cover up the murder.

Anyone with 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 calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for any information that leads to an arrest.

This case is being investigated as Austin's 1st homicide of 2025.