An Austin man, Brian Baca, 45, was recently found incompetent to stand trial for a stabbing that transpired in June 2023, in the bustling West Campus area near the University of Texas. According to court documents obtained by KXAN, a Travis County court has ordered that Baca receive treatment at a mental health facility. The accused stood charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a confrontation left another individual with life-threatening injuries.
Following his arrest on June 12, Baca, having tussled in incidents involving both the unhoused and the students, was taken into custody for the attack that gravely injured one person. Suspecting no foul play, customers were present inside nearby Pluckers when the stabbing occurred, based on reports by KVUE. The area, known for its vibrancy and blend of street life, was rocked by the violence that unfolded amidst a backdrop of drum beats and casual revelry.
Officials say Brian Baca is now confined for a period no longer than 120 days for psychiatric observation and care, following Texas law regarding the treatment of defendants deemed mentally unfit for trial. In such instances, the focus shifts to recovery and mental stability, aiming to restore individuals' competency before they face judicial proceedings.
Concerns have been escalating regarding safety in the West Campus neighborhood. One University of Texas student, Race Chong, told KVUE in an interview, "It's pretty scary that something like that could actually happen in such a close proximity." Though not affiliated with the University themselves, both the victim and the assailant were identified as part of the local unhoused population by ‘Bongo Man,’ a street performer familiar with the victim.
SafeHorns President Joell McNew has expressed concerns following the incident, disclosed in a statement to KVUE, noting an uptick in apprehension from students regarding "the increased aggressive homeless population." These incidents have thrown a spotlight on safety education for students, with local authorities and community leaders urging preparedness amid recent dangerous encounters.
