In what marks a grim tally for the city, the Austin Police Department responded to a deadly shootout last week, elevating the homicide count to the 40th in 2024, according to a press release from the department. On Thursday evening, officers were called to the 6300 block of Thurgood Avenue where they found a young victim, identified as Jeremiah Cavazos, born September 27, 2010, with a fatal gunshot wound.
Further investigation revealed a distressing sequence of events; Cavazos, along with an accomplice referred to as Juvenile #2, had arrived at the location in a stolen vehicle with intentions to rob the third individual, Juvenile #1, the confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in exchanged gunfire that tragically claimed the life of Cavazos, he had been shot and consequently fell from the suspect vehicle as it drove away, Juvenile #2 is now in police custody facing charges of Capital Murder.
Detectives and Crime Scene Specialists swiftly responded to the morbid scene to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. Their preliminary findings pointed to a meeting gone wrong between the three juveniles. According to the Austin Police Department, the meetup was apparently for Cavazos and Juvenile #2 to execute a robbery against Juvenile #1, but the encounter quickly spiraled into violence, resulting in the shootout.
Law enforcement officials have apprehended both suspects involved; with Juvenile #1 facing First Degree Murder charges, despite fleeing on foot after the incident, the Austin Police Department’s diligent efforts secured his arrest in the wake of the tragic event, Juvenile #1 along with Juvenile #2, now face the gravity of the criminal justice system as they stand accused in connection to Cavazos’ death. The community seeking closure and justice is urged to come forward with any additional information, as the Austin Police Department, through their tip line at 512-974-TIPS and the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program, offers the possibility of a reward for details leading to an arrest, a concern that resonates throughout the city as it confronts this surge in violence.
