The Austin Police Department (APD) has made a significant development in a homicide case dating back to 2021, with the recent arrest of 22-year-old Mithovar Antoine Jr., who is now facing a First-Degree Murder charge. According to official police reports, on July 23, 2021, Nikolas Eugenio Martinez was attacked and later succumbed to a fatal stabbing. Despite the efforts of citizens who tried to aid him and the first responders at the scene, Martinez was pronounced deceased in the parking lot of a Conoco gas station on the 2000 block of S. IH 35.
After conducting an autopsy, the Travis County Medical Examiner’s office declared the death a homicide, pinpointing a stab wound of the neck as the cause of death. This led to a prolonged investigation by the APD homicide team. The breakthrough came three years later when on September 11, authorities were to finally secure an arrest warrant for Antoine. Following this, the APD Tactical Intelligence Unit, alongside the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, apprehended Antoine in Temple, Texas. According to a news release from APD, he was subsequently booked into the Bell County Jail under a $150,000 bond and bonded out just days later on September 16, 2024.
APD is actively seeking any additional information that the public might have regarding the circumstances leading up to Martinez's death. They are urging individuals with knowledge of the incident to step forward and in doing so, potentially assist to further solidify the case. The Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program has been set up to facilitate these tips, offering a means for anonymous submissions either through their website or by phone. As the case continues to progress, any information will prove vital in achieving a thorough and just resolution for those affected by this tragedy.
