Case:  23-2800084        

Date:  Saturday, October 7, 2023    
 
Time:  1:05 AM

Location:  9200 North Plaza 

Deceased:  Cristian Raudales Melendez  White Male  07/21/1997

Suspect (Arrested): Edwin Emilson Diaz  White Male 23-years-old 
 

On Saturday, October 7, 2023, at approximately 1:05 AM, Austin Police Department (APD) Officers responded to the 9200 block of North Plaza after receiving a call about a man who had been shot. When officers arrived, they found Cristian Raudales Melendez with gunshot wounds. Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) arrived on the scene and took Melendez to a local hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at 6:09 AM.

Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists responded to the scene. During the investigation, detectives discovered that Melendez argued with Diaz. During this disturbance, Diaz shot Melendez, causing his death.

Diaz is charged with First-Degree Felony Murder.

Detectives encourage anyone with information or video of the incident to call APD Homicide at 512-974-TIPS, the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 512-472-8477 (TIPS), use the new Crime Stoppers App or email APD Homicide at homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. You may remain anonymous. You can also submit tips by downloading APD's mobile app, Austin PD, free on iPhone and Android.

This case is being investigated as Austin's 52nd homicide of 2023.