The Austin Police Department (APD) has released new video footage pertaining to the homicide investigation of Cristian Rangel, as reported by the Austin Police Department's official news release. The 24-year-old Hispanic male was last seen on April 8, before his body was found in a field located in the 5800 block of Spring Meadow Drive. APD is seeking the public’s assistance and has urged witnesses to come forward with any relevant information, particularly those who were present in the Walmart parking lot where Mr. Rangel was last spotted, entering a white GMC Terrain driven by Kamery Wooldridge.
According to the APD report, Wooldridge has been arrested and charged with Tampering with a Human Corpse, a Second-Degree Felony, following the discovery that she allegedly disposed of Rangel’s body; she was let out on bond while the investigation continues the police still encourage anyone with details surrounding the event, which transitioned from a missing person case to a homicide investigation, to reach out with information, there is a combined reward of up to $10,000 for tips leading to an arrest in the case.
The tragedy has deeply impacted Rangel's family, Misty Moon, Cristian’s mother, released a heartfelt statement, "It is with devastation that we are speaking about the tragic loss of Cristian Rangel. He was our son, and he was a father, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend who is deeply missed. It is a pain that words cannot adequately describe, but I stand before you today, not only in grief, but in hope, that justice will be served," as detailed by the Austin Police Department's news release. She further implored anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the depth of their loss and their determination to find justice for Cristian.
With the video released on APD’s YouTube Channel, detectives hope to gather more leads into Rangel’s death, stepping into a light SUV never to return, family members found footage at Walmart that initiated the investigation, as per reporting by the Austin Police Department. Following the identification of the SUV and subsequently Rangel’s body, the case was reclassified as a homicide, and APD is now working toward building a conclusive narrative of the events that led to this tragic conclusion. The community's assistance is vital and anyone with pertinent information is urged to contact the Austin Police Department at 512-974-TIPS or submit tips anonymously through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
