The Austin Police Department, in conjunction with the U.S. Marshals, has reported a significant break in a case from November of last year. A joint press conference held Tuesday detailed the arrest of six individuals tied to the deadly November 2024 shooting in North Austin, as per an update from FOX 7 Austin. The incident, which involved the tragic death of 20-year-old Xavier Jones Sr., occurred on East Wonsley Drive and was initially responded to by APD after receiving multiple 911 calls about gunshots.
Breaking into the homestead they sought, the suspects assaulted a woman and pointed a gun at a child before making off with cash and jewelry from Jones, reports KXAN. APD stated that this act of violence was premeditated, following Jones on social media and targeting him for his visibly affluent lifestyle that included flaunting cash and a gold, diamond-plated watch. The combined efforts of the local community, CrimeStoppers tips, and investigative techniques allowed law enforcement to identify and secure arrest warrants for the suspects, all of whom are facing capital murder charges.
Once warrants were in hand, APD engaged the services of the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force to orchestrate apprehensions and secure any potential evidence that remained, which included the sought-after murder weapon. Deputy U.S. Marshal Brandon Filla, assigned to the task force, stated that the U.S. Marshals and APD's Tactical Intelligence Unit amassed ample information, enabling them to nab the suspects within 24 hours of receiving the warrants.
The tactical operation swept across the city, descending on the various locations where the suspects were thought to be hiding. The arrests, unmarred by further incidents or harm, brought five of the six suspects into custody swiftly between Jan. 29-30. Forbes, found in an unrelated court hearing, was taken into custody, indifferently, without incident at the Travis County Courthouse, according to FOX 7 Austin. The tactical approach also led to the uncovering of firearms, including pistols and rifles, one of which was an AR-15.
Among those arrested are Camron Josh-Anthony Perkins, Lorance Jones, Rhianna Doreen Farillas, Jon Charles Williard Jr., and Judaren Makeel Forbes, with a sixth individual, Corey Rashad Keazer, confirmed to be already in custody on unrelated charges. APD Detective Manuel Hernandez reflected on the troubling trend of younger individuals being increasingly involved in violent crimes. As per the KXAN report, five of the suspects were already under court supervision for unrelated violent offenses at the time of Jones's murder. The case remains an open investigation, and community members with additional information are encouraged to contact the Austin Police Department or submit tips to the Capital Area Crime Stoppers program anonymously.
