The Austin Police Department has made an arrest in the homicide of Francisco Muntufa Miranda, according to an update on their official website. The homicide unit, in collaboration with the Gang Suppression Unit and Violent Crimes Task Force, executed a search warrant in the area of Loyola Lane, and Decker Lane where they found a juvenile with contraband linked to the crime.
During the intense investigation, detectives identified a juvenile male suspect in the killing of Miranda, who was shot on January 8 at the Avalon Palms apartment complex, a suspect is now in custody and charged with murder and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This juvenile was also tied to a December 20, 2023, drive-by shooting that forced nine people, including five children, to dive for safety, "All nine of these victims were forced to take evasive actions away from the gunfire to prevent injuries," the APD detailed. Another juvenile has been subsequently arrested in connection with the December incident.
Miranda was found with a gunshot wound and later succumbed to his injuries after being transported to a local hospital. The preliminary investigation had indicated that the suspect or suspects may frequent the Avalon Palms complex, the site of the tragic event.
APD Homicide Unit Detective Gebhart has been in close contact with Miranda's family, and the department hopes this arrest, "will help bring some peace to Francisco’s family during this difficult time," as noted in the Austin Police Department's statement. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to reach out to the Austin Police Department or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
