Case:  23- 5028315
 
Date:  Wednesday, November 29, 2023
 
Time:  2:30 p.m.
 
Location:  1100 block S 6th Street (West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt)
 
Deceased:  Flores, Jehu Patrick, White male, 4/19/1993

Suspect (Arrested):  Lee, Melcolm, Hispanic male, 24 years of age

 

UPDATE: As the investigation progressed, the Austin Police Department Homicide detectives successfully identified Melcolm Lee as the prime suspect in the murder of Jehu Patrick Flores. On December 12, 2023, a warrant for First-Degree Murder was issued for Lee.

On December 20, 2023, members of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and the United States Marshals Service arrested Lee at Mable Davis Park on Parker Ln, where he tried to escape from the officers. Lee was pursued, captured, and subsequently booked into the Travis County jail in connection with the murder warrant.

ORIGINAL RELEASE:
 
On Monday, November 27, 2023, the Austin Police Department Homicide Unit received multiple tips that a murder had occurred months prior at the West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt in the 1100 block of South 6th Street. The information included that the murder victim had been buried there in the Greenbelt.
 
Detectives with the Homicide Unit and Crime Scene Specialists responded to process the scene with a search and rescue K9 on November 29, 2023. During the course of the investigation, skeletal remains were located within the greenbelt consistent with details provided by tipsters. The remains were collected by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office with the assistance of the Texas State Anthropology Department and identification is pending.
 
An autopsy was performed by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office which revealed injuries consistent with homicide.
 
Anyone with any information should contact APD's Homicide unit at 512-974-TIPS or email homicide.apd@austintexas.gov. 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 65th homicide of 2023.