The Austin Police Department is currently investigating a homicide that took place on January 24, 2025, where a young man's life was tragically cut short due to a senseless act of violence. Victor Ekozeme, a Black male born on November 9, 2005, was identified as the deceased victim. According to an official statement from the APD, at around 2:38 p.m., officers responded to a report of a vehicle crashing into a fence and subsequently into a ditch after being fired upon at 10525 Wildhorse Ranch Trail.
Upon their arrival, the responding officers discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds. Ekozeme was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other injured party was quickly transported to a local hospital and released the same night. APD's preliminary investigation appears to suggest that the victims had arrived at the location in their vehicle shortly before suspects began to shoot introduce into their car, striking both passengers. Ekozeme tried to escape the onslaught, but ultimately succumbed to his injuries and lost control of the vehicle.
Homicide detectives and crime scene specialists were dispatched to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. The details of this case, provided by the Austin Police Department's news release, suggested a targeted attack. The perpetrators of this crime immediately fled the scene in a different vehicle. This incident has been pinpointed as an isolated occurrence within the community.
The Austin Police Department is actively seeking the public's support to apprehend those responsible for this heinous crime. They have requested that anyone with information to please contact them at 512-974-TIPS, or to anonymously submit tips through the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program by visiting austincrimestoppers.org or calling 512-472-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 may be available for information that leads to successfully make an arrest. Marking the city's 4th homicide of the year, this case continues to remain under active investigation.
