Case: 25-0430193
 
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
 
Time: 5:18 a.m.
 
Location: 6401 Rialto Boulevard (Pearl Lantana Apartments)
 
Victim (Deceased): Micaela Sanchez, Hispanic female, 06/04/1991

Suspect (Deceased): Daniel Sanchez, Hispanic male, 12/07/1989

On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at approximately 5:18 a.m., the Austin Police Department (APD) and the Austin Fire Department (AFD) responded to a call of a residential fire at the Pearl Lantana apartment complex located at 6401 Rialto Boulevard. The caller stated that they saw white smoke coming from within one of the apartments.

While working to extinguish the fire, AFD discovered two bodies inside the apartment, later identified as Micaela (Kayla) Sanchez and Daniel Sanchez. Both had signs of trauma, and were pronounced deceased on scene.

Homicide Detectives, Arson Investigators, and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene and interview witnesses. The investigation showed that Daniel shot and killed Kayla, started the fire, then shot and killed himself. It appears Daniel set fire to a garage that they owned within the complex as well. This appears to be an isolated incident, and there is no continued threat to the public.

Anyone with information should 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.

This case is being investigated as Austin's 6th homicide of 2025.